News Archives


AZFLSE

2019

Remembering Legal Legend John Bouma

Remembering Legal Legend John Bouma

The Foundation would like to join the many voices who are mourning the loss of Arizona legal legend John Bouma. Bouma was a founding father of our organization, numerous award winner, and champion of access to justice. His impact on the justice community will go on for years because of the support and changes he put in place.

Back to top

2018

We Have A New Website - AzBF.org

We Have A New Website - AzBF.org

Our current site is over 10 years old - definitely time for a revamp! Check out the new site at AzBf.org

Back to top

Do You Know an Arizona Legacy

Do You Know an Arizona Legacy

The Legal Legacy Project is looking for attorneys who have made their legal mark in Arizona! The website features the histories of many prominent attorneys, but we are missing whole generations! Help submit a history of your own.

Back to top

Are Your School Kids Voting Ready?

Are Your School Kids Voting Ready?

Voting is an important right as an American and KIDS CAN LEARN TO VOTE TOO!

Back to top

Remembering "Jamie" Schubert

Remembering

July 12th marks the birthday of Jonathan “Jamie” Schubert. At the age of 49, Jamie passed away. He had his own law practice, served as a judge pro tem and was a member of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association. His parents, Roy and Lynn Schubert, knew that Jamie had a passion for justice. They established the Jonathan Schubert Memorial with the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. Funds from the memorial assist with loan assistance programs for public service attorneys, LawForKids.org programs, supporting agencies who provide legal aid and scholarships for Sandra Day O’Connor Law School students.

Back to top

Volunteer with the Foundation!

Volunteer with the Foundation!

The Foundation has many different opportunities. Find the one that is right for you!

Back to top

We the People Summer Institute 2018

We the People Summer Institute 2018

17 teachers from throughout Arizona took part in the 2018 Arizona We the People Summer Institute. Funded by the Arizona Supreme Court and Center for Civic Education, the Institute aims to promote civic education and the We the People curriculum. The teachers had the chance to work with experienced We the People mentors and take part in a simulated congressional hearing. They also had the opportunity to listen to incredible scholar presentations from:

Arizona House Speaker J.D. Mesnard

ASU Professor T.J. Davis

Chief Justice Scott Bales

District Court Judge Murray Snow

Back to top

Congratulations to Nancy Tribenesee - Pro Bono Awardee of the Year

Congratulations to Nancy Tribenesee - Pro Bono Awardee of the Year

Dedicating 20 years of pro bono service, Nancy has exemplified her dedication and drive in serving at-need Arizonans. The Volunteer Lawyers Program expressed their great appreciation for her commitment to excellence and immense compassion, which is clear in all her years of service.

Back to top

Annual Luncheon Tickets and Sponsorships

Annual Luncheon Tickets and Sponsorships

You can purchase tickets, become a sponsor or purchase a thank you message in our program all on our site!

Back to top

Project Citizen Congratulates Sundance and Carson Schools

Project Citizen Congratulates Sundance and Carson Schools

On May 14th, schools from across the valley entered their Public Policy portfolios into the state Project Citizen competition. The event took place at Grand Canyon University, where each portfolio was judged by 4 judges.

Back to top

Congratulations to Patrick McGroder - 2018 Craig Recipient

Congratulations to Patrick McGroder - 2018 Craig Recipient

Serving as a trial lawyer for the last 45 years, Patrick has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his clients as well as the profession of law.

Back to top

Arizona School for the Arts heading to National Mock Trial Championship

Arizona School for the Arts heading to National Mock Trial Championship

Arizona School for the Arts (ASA) has won the state tournament in High School Mock Trial. The team will go on to Nationals in Reno Nevada in the weekend of May 10th.

BASIS of Oro Valley took second place in the state championship and BASIS Chandler student Catherine Hong won the State Court Artist Contest (see photo)

Back to top

Drive Fore Justice happens April 28th!

Drive Fore Justice happens April 28th!

The Foundation will be hosting their 4th Drive for Justice Golf Tournament on April 28th at Moon Valley Golf Course. If you are interested in playing OR sponsoring please contact us at [email protected].

Back to top

Hamilton High Head to Washington!

Hamilton High Head to Washington!

Congratulations to Hamilton High School for taking 1st place in this year's We the People Competition. All teams were exceptional. Here are the top teams for 2018:

Here are the results!

  • 1st Hamilton
  • 2nd Corona
  • 3rd Skyline
  • 4th Gilbert Classical Academy
  • Unit 1 - Marcos de Niza
  • Unit 2- Lake Havasu Team 1
  • Unit 3- Lake Havasu Team 2
  • Unit 4- Prescott
  • Unit 5-Sunnyside
  • Unit 6 - Lake Havasu Team 1

Congrats to all teams participating today! You all are always inspiring!

Back to top

2017

December - February Foundation Office Inaccessible

December - February Foundation Office Inaccessible

The Foundation office space will be under construction starting in early December until the beginning of February. The Foundation is "right sizing" our space, which will save on costs. We appreciate our landlord and sister organization, the State Bar, for assisting with the needed renovation. If you need to get a hold of someone, please email [email protected]. Staff will be telecommuting during this time- available via email and phone.

Back to top

Support Legal Aid through the Charitable Credit

Support Legal Aid through the Charitable Credit

The Charitable Tax Credit allows Arizonans to donate to legal aid and have that amount deducted from the taxes you owe! $400 for an individual and $800 for those filing together. Click on the link and donate to the qualifying legal aid of your choice!
Click here to make a donation now!

Back to top

Featured School Resource Officer

Featured School Resource Officer

Officer Groen has been with Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School for the last 4 years and has consistently gone above and beyond. In addition to completing the mandatory LRE cohort hours, Officer Groen gets involved with the community through school events, anti-bullying patrol squads, Wake-Up Club, and bicycle events to provide students the opportunity to participate in fun yet structured activities outside of school hours. Through these activities he has made a positive, long-lasting impact on the lives of the students at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School

"I am happy you are at our school. You taught me lots of things. You are good at teaching." - Elementary student.

Back to top

Are You Ready for We The People Regionals?

Are You Ready for We The People Regionals?

Make sure your school is participating in this year's regional tournament! Click on the article title to find out more about the program!

Back to top

Liberian Civil Service Agency Visits Arizona

Liberian Civil Service Agency Visits Arizona

The Foundation thanks Samuel Williams for teaching Arizona students about his country and its political system. Safe Travels!

Back to top

Message from Chief Justice Bales on Constitution Day

Message from Chief Justice Bales on Constitution Day

We observe Constitution Day on September 17 to recognize our Constitution’s progress since 1787.

Sixty years ago this month, nine black children who just wanted to go to school found themselves at the center of a constitutional crisis. After the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racially segregated schools violate the Constitution, a U.S. district judge ordered the students to be admitted to Little Rock’s Central High School. The governor of Arkansas resisted by surrounding the school with state troopers and guardsmen. When the governor withdrew the state forces, their place was taken by a hostile mob blocking the students’ entry. READ MORE

Back to top

Academy 2017-2018 is in Full Swing!

Academy 2017-2018 is in Full Swing!

The Law Related Education Academy, a partnership between the Foundation and the Arizona Department of Education, provides teachers and school resource officers the tools to prepare students for responsible citizenship. Sign up for great civic and LRE trainings!

Back to top

Inaugural Pat Winthrop Summer Scholarship to Makaila Silva

Inaugural Pat Winthrop Summer Scholarship to Makaila Silva

Patricia Winthrop provides assistance to the Foundation staff in many ways through volunteering at the office, stopping by to see if staff are doing well, or donating her expertise. To honor her dedication, the Foundation created a scholarship available for summer interns to continue assisting staff and the Foundation’s work in her name.

The Pat Winthrop Summer Internship fund is proud to announce their first recipient Makaila Silva and we thank you Pat for being such an inspiration.

Back to top

Arizona Legal Needs Survey

Arizona's legal service agencies need your help to better understand the legal issues facing Arizona residents.

Please click on the ENGLISH or SPANISH below and complete the survey to help us improve access to justice for all Arizonans.

ENGLISH         SPANISH

Back to top

FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES ATTORNEYS FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE

FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES ATTORNEYS FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education recognized the outstanding public service of four Arizona attorneys and the Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys at the State Bar of Arizona’s annual convention.

Back to top

I Want to Help! The Many Ways to Do Pro Bono

I Want to Help!  The Many Ways to Do Pro Bono

If you want to do pro bono, but not sure how you can help visit the Foundation's pro bono website for tons of opportunities. From taking a case to writing an article. From judging a competition to answering an online legal question. We have tons of ways for you to volunteer!

Back to top

See You at Our Annual Awards Luncheon!

See You at Our Annual Awards Luncheon!

You can sponsor or buy tickets to our annual luncheon held in Tucson's La Paloma on June 15th.

Back to top

Franklin Phonetic students reach Project Citizen Nationals

Franklin Phonetic students reach Project Citizen Nationals

Project Citizen awardees featured in Prescott news for their public policy proposal on heavy backpacks

Back to top

SCAM ALERT: People Representing Themselves as Legal Aid

SCAM ALERT: People Representing Themselves as Legal Aid

Recently people have been coming forward stating that they’ve received calls from an organization claiming to represent Legal Aid Society (read more)

Back to top

Inaugural Camp O'Connor

The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute and the Arizona Bar Foundation announce the launch of Camp O’Connor, a free week-long summer program providing civics education and leadership development for middle school students. Camp O’Connor applications are being accepted online at www.LawForKids.org through Tuesday, March 28.

Back to top

Thank you to our Next Generation Founding Fellows

Thank you to our Next Generation Founding Fellows

Chief Justice Scott Bales Vice Chief Justice John Pelander Justice Clint Bolick Justice Robert Brutinel Justice Ann Scott Timmer Danny Adelman Shawn Aiken Alongi Law Firm, PLLC Donald Alvarez Jody Arnold Hon. Mark Aspey Hon. Alison Bachus Dan Bagatell Hon. Janet E. Barton Alan Bayham READ MORE

Back to top

02/04/17 Promote Civic Engagement Through iCivics.org

Through the use of online games and engaging lessons, students learn civics while having fun! Participants of this training will learn how to use specific online games and lessons to prepare students to be active, engaging citizens in our society. iCivics includes lessons that align to nearly all Arizona social studies civics standards and are free to educators.

Back to top

03/01/2017 When You Turn 18 Academy

A variety of lessons will be utilized during this one-day training that will enable officers and teachers to help their student’s transition from the classroom to life after high school.

Back to top

03/06/2017 Educating through Technology Academy

In need of a new way to teach students about their rights and responsibilities AND maintain their interest? Tired of the same implementation ideas and topics? Then join us for this one day training that will combine technology and students’ rights. Participants of the training will obtain innovative ideas for teaching youth about laws and rights that are relevant to them.

Back to top

Volunteer for Wills for Heroes!

Volunteer for Wills for Heroes!

The Wills for Heroes program is always in need of volunteers - lawyers, notaries and witnesses. If you are unfamiliar with estate law, we even have a video to teach you the basics!

Back to top

New Site Gives Court Information, Legal Help for Everyday People

New Site Gives Court Information, Legal Help for Everyday People

A new website launched today to offer basic assistance to people of all walks of life who have legal questions or need assistance in resolving disputes in court. AzCourtHelp.org is organized by topic and geographical location to help people find the court locations, forms, and other information they may need.

Back to top

The Faculty of the Month for January is….. Rena Dearden

The Faculty of the Month for January is….. Rena Dearden

This academic year marks Rena’s 10th year as a Faculty Member for the LRE Academy. Rena is dedicated to assisting Arizona’s youth through law related education. She brings innovative teaching strategies, research, and a passion for making a positive impact on students. Rena is instrumental in developing new lesson plans for the academies she is assigned to. She’s eager to share her ideas and offers assistance wherever needed. Her experience and knowledge of prevention based practices ensure that each lesson provided is designed to contribute to the success of youth. It is an honor to work with Rena each year. Congratulations Rena!!

Back to top

Calling all Arizona High School Students and Educators

Calling all Arizona High School Students and Educators

The 9th Circuit Courts are hosting their annual Civics Contest for 9th-12th grade which include the following prizes for 1st Place - $2,000, 2nd Place - $1,000 and 3rd Place - $500.

Back to top

2016

Online Arizona Justice to Help Arizonans Find Justice

Online Arizona Justice to Help Arizonans Find Justice

The Online Arizona Justice System allows eligible users to post a legal question to a private messaging system. The questions are answered by volunteer attorneys. Online Arizona Justice System users can check the system for answers at any time. Only the website administrator and the volunteer attorney answering a user's question can see the user's name. All information posted is held in strict confidence.

Back to top

We the People State Showcase 01/13/2017

We the People State Showcase 01/13/2017

Find out more about the program and competition by visiting LawForKids.org

Back to top

Steve Hirsch, Foundation Former President, Passes Away

Steve Hirsch, Foundation Former President, Passes Away

Former Board President and hero, Steve Hirsch, passed away last week after a battle with cancer. Hirsch was beloved by Foundation staff and everyone who worked with him. His heart was large and it showed in the work he did for his community. He will be greatly missed.

Back to top

12.07.16 Child Safety Academy for School Safety Participants

12.07.16 Child Safety Academy for School Safety Participants

his training will provide participants with the necessary tools for working with the lower grade levels that will tailor to their attention span and academic standards. The lesson plans provided will focus on student aggression, bully, theft, and vandalism prevention and school drop off safety at a level relevant to the everyday life of younger students.

Back to top

Should You Invest In Long Term Care Insurance? The Pros, Cons

Should You Invest In Long Term Care Insurance? The Pros, Cons

Almost everyone over the age of 55 has thought about the need for long term care insurance, and most of us have questions. Are there underwriting requirements? Is it a good investment? How much does it cost? Can my premiums go up? Does it pay all long term care expenses? What happens to me if I can’t afford it? In this article, we will explore all those issues as well as possible alternatives to long term care insurance.

Back to top

11.10.16 Teen Court Youth Summit

Teen Court hosts its 10th Youth Summit!

Back to top

Kids Voting Election Results

Kids Voting Election Results

See the results from across the nation!

Back to top

12/01/2016 Project Citizen Classroom Design Training

12/01/2016 Project Citizen Classroom Design Training

Educators previously trained in the Project Citizen Program (PC) are invited to this one day training that will assist them in implementing the program in their classroom.

Back to top

Foundation awarded When Work Works for 7th Year

Foundation awarded When Work Works for 7th Year

The Foundation is honored to receive the When Work Works award from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and be acknowledged for their work place flexibility: a business strategy that has nationally proven results.

Back to top

11.03.16 Mock Trial 101 Academy

11.03.16 Mock Trial 101 Academy

Participants will receive hands on advice and strategies from an experienced Mock Trial teacher on how to implement Mock Trial in the classroom.

Back to top

11/07/16 Catching Up to Today’s Teens: Educating through Technology Academy

In need of a new way to teach students about their rights and responsibilities AND maintain their interest? Tired of the same implementation ideas and topics? Then join us for this one day training that will combine technology and students’ rights. Participants of the training will obtain innovative ideas for teaching youth about laws and rights that are relevant to them.

Back to top

10.06.16 Let’s Get Ready to VOTE!!! Kids Voting Workshop

10.06.16 Let’s Get Ready to VOTE!!! Kids Voting Workshop

Are you ready to engage your students in the Presidential Election? Your students have a chance to be a part of history!!

Back to top

10.27.2016 Engage Students in Kids Voting Through iCivics.org

10.27.2016 Engage Students in Kids Voting Through iCivics.org

2016 is a Presidential Election Year! Through the use of online games and engaging lessons, students can participate in the vote while having fun. Participants of this training will learn how to use specific on-line games and lessons to prepare their students for the Presidential Election. Through games, lessons, webcasts, and more, students learn how the government works and how they can do their part by being productive citizens. Students have a chance to be the President, solve the budget crises, implement a public policy, and much more! Also included in this training are the instructions to vote electronically in the KV Election.

Back to top

Foundation Hiring Program Coordinator

Foundation is looking for a highly motivated individual to assist with event and meeting coordination.

Back to top

Arizona Veteran Court Tours

Arizona Veteran Court Tours

LawForVeterans offers you the opportunity to tour online many of the Veteran Courts in Arizona. Take a look at what each complex looks like and what you can expect if utilizing one of these amazing courts.

Back to top

Viewer Discretion Advised Academy

This training equips participants with tools to educate youth using current events to examine the Media’s constant influence on young consumers. Participants will understand the role the media plays in dictating youth’s behaviors and the way they perceive the world. This training offers an interactive approach to analyze hidden messages regarding dating violence, gangs, drug use, alcohol use and more.

Back to top

The Top Ten Frauds Targeting Seniors

The Top Ten Frauds Targeting Seniors

The United States Senate Special Committee on Aging has announced the top 10 scams currently targeting our nation’s seniors. Read the LawforSeniors.org article to learn more.

Back to top

96th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote

96th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote

August 26th marked the 96th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. Help celebrate by visiting Kids Voting Arizona and showing your girls (and boys!) why voting is so important.

Back to top

Guadalupe Teen Court Nationally Recognized

Guadalupe Teen Court Nationally Recognized

Guadalupe Teen Court was honored in July by the National Association of Counties. Guadalupe Municipal Court Presiding Judge Lilia Alvarez, who's mission is to 'empower teens in Guadalupe', leads the program which provides the 'opportunity for skill development and growth to an under-served population.'

Back to top

August 31: Respect the Owner: Theft Prevention Academy

This academy will provide participants with interactive lessons to educate students on the consequences of common types of theft, juveniles may attempt, both in the real world and in cyberspace. The lesson activities will provide students with opportunities to practice positive decision making while addressing strategies to control impulses that lack civic responsibilities.

Back to top

We the People Summer Institute

We the People Summer Institute

During the week of June 13-17, 2017, thirty-one Arizona educators and 10 New Mexico educators attended the Arizona We the People Summer Institute held at the Arizona Capitol. Participants engaged in activities that would enable them to provided quality civic education to their students. Content knowledge was delivered through esteemed constitutional scholars that included Chief Justice Scott Bales, Judge Murray Snow, Dr. Brian Dille, Arizona State University Professor Catherine O’Donnell, and Matt Binford, Esq.

Back to top

Foundation Luncheon

Foundation Luncheon

Thank you to all who sponsored the luncheon, to all our awardees and everyone who made the event truly special.

Back to top

Hon. Peter Cahill named Walter E Craig Awardee

Hon. Peter Cahill named Walter E Craig Awardee

On June 16th, Judge Peter Cahill was honored for a lifetime of professionalism with the highest principles and service to the community.

Back to top

16 youth creates App to Help Students pass Civics Test

16 youth creates App to Help Students pass Civics Test

In Arizona, students are required to pass a test modeled after the citizenship test in order to graduate from high school. 16 year old student Riley Danler decided to help students by creating a trivia based app based on actual questions from the test!

Back to top

We the People Summer Institute June 13th-17th

We the People Summer Institute June 13th-17th

This June the Foundation will host the annual We the People Summer Institute as part of the James Madison Legacy Project thanks to the Arizona Supreme Court. The week long institute will feature Chief Justice Bales and Court of Appeals Judge Murray Snow as constitutional scholars.

Back to top

Thank you to Guardian Ad Litem Sponsor Lewis, Roca, Rothgerber and Christie

Thank you to Guardian Ad Litem Sponsor Lewis, Roca, Rothgerber and Christie

Thank you Lewis, Roca, Rothgerber and Christie! If you'd like to become a sponsor or attend the lunch, click above.

Back to top

Thank you to Expert Witness Sponsor Simon Consulting

Thank you to Expert Witness Sponsor Simon Consulting

Thank you Simon Consulting! If you'd like to become a sponsor or attend the lunch, click above.

Back to top

Foundation Annual Luncheon features Stephen Drizin & Lisa Loo

Foundation Annual Luncheon features Stephen Drizin & Lisa Loo

On June 16th in conjunction with the State Bar's convention, the Foundation will host our annual awards luncheon. Incoming Bar President Lisa Loo will speak and Steven Drizin - appellate attorney seen on Making a Murderer - will be the keynote speaker.

Back to top

03/31 When You Turn 18

03/31 When You Turn 18

The “When You Turn 18” brochure was developed to inform students of the new rights and responsibilities that they receive on their 18th birthday. Twenty-one different topics are addressed, from contracts and credit cards to domestic violence and drugs. All topics are relevant to students’ lives and focus on the legality of each issue. Through these lessons and activities, students will be provided with the necessary knowledge to assist them in exercising their rights while remaining law-abiding citizens.

Back to top

04/07 Catching Up to Today's Teens: Educating Through Technology

In need of a new way to teach students about their rights and responsibilities AND maintain their interest? Tired of the same implementation ideas and topics? Then join us for this one day training that will combine technology and students’ rights. Participants of the training will obtain innovative ideas for teaching youth about laws and rights that are relevant to them.

Back to top

04/12 Under the Influence

04/12 Under the Influence

In the 2014 Arizona Youth Survey, 8th -12th graders reported that if they used marijuana, alcohol, or prescription drugs, they obtained it from friends or at parties more often than any other source. Peer influence and pressure can have a major influence on the decision making of our youth. This training will provide participants with interactive methods to educate youth on the risks associated with being under the influence of drugs. It will address myths and facts related to Arizona’s drug laws and teach strategies to help youth resist peer pressure. Educators will leave this training equipped with lesson plans and resources designed to help youth make positive, educated decisions.

Back to top

When You Turn 18 Academy

When You Turn 18 Academy

A variety of lessons will be utilized during this one-day training that will enable officers and teachers to help their student’s transition from the classroom to life after high school.

Back to top

03/08 Survive the Drive

Obtaining a driver’s license is an exciting rite of passage for most teens. During this academy, participants will learn interactive ways to educate students on responsible driving. Participants will receive a variety of materials and curricula that will cover issues such as DUI, Road Rage, Distracted Driving, and Drag Racing. These lessons and activities will assist them in preparing students to become safe and responsible drivers.

Back to top

Looking to do Pro Bono?

Looking to do Pro Bono?

We have partnered with many entities in Arizona to best compile all the pro bono opportunities available. Want to take a case? The agencies to work with are listed here. Want to write an article? We have a calendar of Guest Writer opportunities for you to view!

Back to top

We the People State Championships

We the People State Championships

Congratulations to all the amazing teams that participated in the state We the People Championship on Saturday, January 9th, 2016.

This year we had ten high school teams competing and nine middle school showcase teams. The 400+ individuals demonstrated their civic knowledge to a variety of judges. Congratulations to the following teams:

1st Place - Corona del Sol High School
2nd Place - Skyline High School
3rd Place - Hamilton High School
4th Place - Marcos de Niza High School

Thank you to the, over 70, volunteers that helped make this event a huge success. Best of luck to Corona del Sol at nationals!

Back to top

02/04 Catching Up to Today's Teens: Educating Through Technology

02/04 Catching Up to Today's Teens: Educating Through Technology

In need of a new way to teach students about their rights and responsibilities AND maintain their interest? Tired of the same implementation ideas and topics? Then join us for this one day training that will combine technology and students’ rights. Participants of the training will obtain innovative ideas for teaching youth about laws and rights that are relevant to them.

Back to top

2015

1/12/16 School to Prison Pipeline: Preventing the Unnecessary Criminalization of Youth

1/12/16 School to Prison Pipeline: Preventing the Unnecessary Criminalization of Youth

Arresting students as a first response instead of a last resort is a growing concern for many. Disciplinary problems such as disruptive behavior, disrespect for authority, and truancy are often being dealt with through the juvenile justice system which can negatively affect the academic engagement, school connectedness and future success of students. This training will present facts and statistics about ‘School to Prison Pipeline,’ investigate alternative solutions to common discipline issues, and demonstrate how change can make a difference in student success and school climate. The content knowledge presented in this training can be used by participants for universal lessons to help educate their community, staff and administrators working with disruptive youth.

Back to top

Are You A Veteran Looking for Legal Help?

Are You A Veteran Looking for Legal Help?

Visit www.LawforVeterans.org for resources and information.

Back to top

Become a FOUNDING Next Generation Fellow

Become a FOUNDING Next Generation Fellow

In 1978, the Founding Fellows began the Arizona Bar Foundation. Today the next generation is called to action

Be Forever Memorialized as one of the Next Generation Founding Fellows

Back to top

A Justice Hero - Skip Skinner

A Justice Hero - Skip Skinner

This past October, Arizona and our justice system lost an amazing person – Skip Skinner. The Foundation has honored Skip for several years as a top pro bono attorney, though his work with Southern Arizona Legal Aid, and this summer, he was awarded our top pro bono award – the William E. Morris award. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones. Please take a moment to read a few of the letters that were written on his behalf for the Morris nomination.

pdf SkipSkinner-WEMawardee

Back to top

Thank You Veterans and Active Military!

Thank You Veterans and Active Military!

We are proud of our Veterans especially our very own, Francisco! Visit LawforVeterans for your legal help!

Back to top

Congratulations Judge Fox!

Congratulations <i> Judge </i> Fox!

Congratulations to Mock Trial Coordinator and Alum, Hon. Dewain Fox for being appointed to the bench!

Back to top

James Madison Legacy Project – Accepting Applications

The Center for Civic Education has been awarded a three-year, $17 million grant from the US Department of Education to conduct the James Madison Legacy Project, which will bring high-quality professional development in civics and government to 2,025 teachers serving more than 202,500 high-need students nationwide.

The Arizona Bar Foundation is now accepting applications for 20 middle or high school teachers (new to We the People) who will implement the We the People program under this project during the months of January 2016 through May 2016. For your participation, you will receive the following upon completion of the required components:

• A $750 stipend

• We the People set of textbooks, including teacher’s guide for your classroom (valued up to $680)

• Content knowledge from constitutional scholars

• Technical assistance from experienced We the People mentors

• Program training with professional development hours

If you would like to take part in this opportunity, please complete the fill-able Teacher Agreement form (Click "Download Document" below) and return to Jennifer Castro. The attached Teacher Agreement provides the requirements to participate and receive the above benefits. If you have any questions regarding the requirements for participation, please do not hesitate to ask.

Training:

The first 2 training dates are:

• January 8, 2016 and January 9, 2016

• 2 webinars will follow these trainings and 2 additional in person trainings will occur in February or March.

Substitute reimbursement up to $100 will be provide for each in-person training when a substitute is required for the participant to attend. Once we receive your signed Teacher Agreement form, we will review and notify you of your acceptance into the program. The submittal of the Teacher Agreement form does not guarantee your participation. Teachers accepted into the program will be notified via email no later than January 4, 2016 . Please return the attached form no later than December 18, 2015. Qualified teachers will be accepted in the order they are received.
Download Document

Back to top

12/08 Think Before You Post: Smart Communication Through Technology

12/08 Think Before You Post: Smart Communication Through Technology

Communication through technology is becoming an integral part of modern day life for all ages. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is essential to good citizenship. This training will provide participants with interactive methods to educate youth on positive and effective online communications. The lessons will address the legal guidelines for acceptable posts, your right to privacy, and protecting yourself from inappropriate communications. Additionally, participants will learn how to educate youth on the laws surrounding online communications: What is private? What can be viewed by potential employers and colleges? What can be viewed by their current school administration?

Back to top

11/17 Campus Crime Watch: Fostering Leaders of Change

11/17 Campus Crime Watch: Fostering Leaders of Change

Learn how to teach today’s youth to take the lead among their peers! This training will provide participants with tools to educate youth on how to strengthen their leadership skills. Through interactive lessons, students will learn important strategies to change from bystander to upstander and to develop service ideas they can put into action. All teens have the potential to emerge as leaders; these lessons will provide learning opportunities for students to analyze the necessary changes they can make to improve their school climate and community connectedness

Back to top

Institute for Justice honors Tim Hogan

Institute for Justice honors Tim Hogan

During his impressive legal career, Tim has been a champion for equal educational opportunity, adequate education funding, utility regulation, renewable energy, state trust lands, election issues (including clean elections, independent redistricting and direct democracy) and so much more. Tim exemplifies the adage that one person can truly make a difference.

Back to top

iCivics.org: Increase Civic Knowledge Through Games

Arizona’s newly required civics test has changed the focus of this training! Through the use of online games and engaging lessons, students can increase their knowledge of civics while having fun. Participants of this training will learn how to use specific on-line games and lessons to prepare their students for the required civics test. Through games, lessons, webcasts, and more, students learn how the government works and how they can do their part by being productive citizens. Students have a chance to be the President, solve the budget crises, implement a public policy, and much more!

Back to top

Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery & Exploitation

Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery & Exploitation

Academy 10/27/2015Human trafficking – the exploitation of a person for labor or commercial sex through the use of force, fraud or coercion -.is a form of modern-day slavery During this training, participants will look at what makes teens vulnerable and learn how to equip their students with strategies to make safe decisions to protect themselves and others from exploitation. Educators will receive lesson plans and resources designed to help youth be aware of the risks and how to report human trafficking.

Back to top

10/13/2015 Digital Citizenship Academy

10/13/2015 Digital Citizenship Academy

Students are savvy on how to access digital information. But they may not have the skills and understanding to know what risks there are in their cyber world. This academy will provide interactive lessons on topics relevant to youth such as cyberbullying, netiquette, digital footprint and digital privacy. Additionally, participants will receive strategies and tips for working with the lower grade levels that will tailor to their attention span and learning needs.

Back to top

LawforKids is All New!

LawforKids is All New!

The 14+ year old website that teaches kids about the law and their rights as juveniles has been re-released with a new look and great functionality! Watch videos about the law made by kids, join our LFK club and so much more. There is info for educators and parents as well!

Back to top

Kids Voting: Interdisciplinary Education Oct 8

Kids Voting: Interdisciplinary Education Oct 8

:We are VERY close to an exciting year- 2016 and the Presidential Election!!!! This training will focus on how to prepare your students to vote without disrupting your already scheduled lessons. Participants will engage in activities that will demonstrate how to teach about democracy within other subjects; such as, math, reading, writing, etc. As we educate our future citizens, we must teach them about their civic duties. Don’t just tell your students about voting, let them LIVE it!! Additionally, participants will be provided with a tutorial on how to utilize the Kids Voting online voting tool.

Back to top

Respect Authority Academy 9/22

Respect Authority Academy 9/22

During this academy, participants will learn interactive ways to educate students on the civic responsibility of respect for law enforcement, parents and educators.

Back to top

We The People Competition Regional Coordinator Call for Proposals

Do you enjoy planning events? Become an Arizona Bar Foundation Competition Regional Coordinator This is an exciting opportunity to: * Exercise your planning skills * Impact hundreds of youth by planning an academic competition * Earn a $600 stipend for doing something for which you have a passion Competition Regional Coordinator Role: The Competition Coordinator will serve as a liaison between the Arizona Bar Foundation and the school/district in designated region for the purpose of planning the Regional Competition. Competition Coordinators will work closely with the Arizona Bar Foundation to effectively plan and administer a regional competition in Arizona. Competition Coordinators will serve in this capacity from September 2015 – May 2016. As a Competition Regional Coordinator, you will… * Serve as a Liaison between the Foundation and the educators participating in the competition. * Plan/Implement/Host an academic competition/showcase in your designated region. Requirements to serve in this capacity: * Effective Organization Skills * Logistical Planning Skills * Effective Communication Skills *Per our Competition Policies – “An individual may serve as a district coordinator and a teacher coach but cannot coordinate their district competition. Another individual will be appointed by the Foundation to serve in that capacity.” *District Coordinator is equivalent to Regional Coordinator. Completing a proposal: Please complete (type) the attached form and email to [email protected]. Proposal Due Date: September 8, 2015. For more information, please contact: Susan Nusall, Director of Volunteers Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education 4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 210 Phoenix, AZ 85016 [email protected] 602-340-7361
Download Document

Back to top

Drive for Justice Slideshow

Drive for Justice Slideshow

For those of you who attended our inaugural Drive for Justice event, we hope you enjoy some photos taken from the event. Those who were not able to attend - we hope this sparks your interest to come next year!

Back to top

Arizona Human Trafficking 101 Training 9/18-9/19

The Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking in partnership with the Arizona Legal Women And Youth Services is conducting a 2-day workshop on Human Trafficking for legal practitioners in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday, September 18th and Saturday September 19th at the Arizona Summit Law School at 1 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ.

The training is FREE and will provide up to 14 hours of CLE credit for participants who attend both full days.

Please Register by September 1st . Please fill out the attached registration form.
Download Document

Back to top

Call for Proposals! WTP and PC

The Foundation is seeking experienced We the People and Project Citizen educators who would like to share their knowledge with others. Please submit a proposal to serve as a We the People and/or Project Citizen Technical Assistance Coordinator and help other educators encourage their students to be informed citizens!! Deadline is August 28th, 2015. pdf WTP Technical Assistance Regional Coordinator Call for Proposals pdf PC Technical Assistance Regional Coordinator Call for Proposals

Back to top

Did you Know...

Did you Know...

The Foundation hosts 4 legal help sites! If your in need of legal information, check out www.azlawhelp.org, www.lawforveterans.org, www.lawforkids.org and www.lawforseniors.org

Back to top

We the People 101: The Citizen & the Constitution Academy 09/10

We the People 101: The Citizen & the Constitution Academy 09/10

The primary goal of the program is to promote civic awareness and responsibility in students.By emphasizing student involvement and encouraging students to relate important concepts and principles to historical and contemporary situations, the program strengthens students’ critical thinking and public speaking skills.

Back to top

"iCivics.org: Increase Civic Knowledge Through Games" Academy

Through games, lessons, webcasts, and more, students learn how the government works and how they can do their part by being productive citizens. Students have a chance to be the President, solve the budget crises, implement a public policy, and much more!

Back to top

"Connecting Today's Truancy to Tomorrow's Future" Academy

Help students understand how their academic decisions today affect their life later!

Back to top

April 6th 50th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act

April 6th 50th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act

April 6th marked the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights. Celebrate with us by checking out Kids Voting Arizona!

Back to top

Foundation Recognizes Legal Community Leaders at Annual Convention

Foundation Recognizes Legal Community Leaders at Annual Convention

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education (the Foundation) recently recognized a number of members of the legal community and the public for their outstanding work in helping the Foundation achieve its mission of promoting access to justice for all Arizonans.

Back to top

Bar President Bryan Chambers' Gives Inspiring Speech

Bar President Bryan Chambers' Gives Inspiring Speech

We thank Bryan Chambers for his wonderful speech at our awards luncheon on June 25th. You can read his entire speech here!

Back to top

Be a Foundation Luncheon Sponsor!

Be a Foundation Luncheon Sponsor!

Thank you to Osborn Maledon for becoming a Premier Justice Sponsor! You can become a sponsor too or buy tickets to the event!

Back to top

William Hardin - 2015 Walter Craig Recipient

William Hardin - 2015 Walter Craig Recipient

Bill's work epitomizes 'access to justice' by continually to assure that Arizonans, and all Americans, have equal protection under the law. Join him, the Foundation and the other award winners at the Foundation's Annual Luncheon June 25th from Noon- 2pm at the Arizona Biltmore (in conjunction with the State Bar Convention)

Back to top

University High and Xavier Prep Named Mock Trial Champs

University High and Xavier Prep Named Mock Trial Champs

University High School’s Team and Xavier College Preparatory’s Team shared the honor of being named this year’s State Champions! Second Place – University High School Third Place – Xavier College Preparatory Fourth Place – Xavier College Preparatory Click article title to see all the teams and awardees!

Back to top

The Foundation Appoints New President Helen Purcell

The Foundation Appoints New President Helen Purcell

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education is proud to announce that Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell has been elected to serve as the first non-attorney President of the Board of Directors in its 37 year history.

Back to top

2015 Drive For Justice Golf Tournament

2015 Drive For Justice Golf Tournament

Join the Arizona Bar Foundation for a fun day of golf, networking and an opportunity to out drive other attorneys. ENJOY a day of GOLF while supporting YOUR Bar Foundation. All funds raised will support the important work of the Arizona Bar Foundation in promoting access to justice for ALL ARIZONANS. To register or become a sponsor, visit www.azflse.org/driveforjustice.

Back to top

Mary Beth Tinker Speaks to AZ teachers and students!

Mary Beth Tinker  Speaks to AZ teachers and students!

The Foundation was honored earlier this month to have Mary Beth Tinker (Tinker vs. Des Moines 1969) shares her experiences with AZ iCivics teachers and students. She empowered students to speak up and fight for what they believed in.

Back to top

Training: Understanding the 4th Amendment in the Life of a Teen**SSP

March 19, 2015

This training will provide participants with interactive methods to educate youth on the Fourth Amendment. It will address issues of search and seizure limits, probable cause and reasonable suspicion. Activities will be provided that will present students with the information needed to not only understand their rights and responsibilities but also how searches can ensure student safety. Participants will receive lessons, activities, and resources that will assist them in preparing students to become responsible citizens.

Back to top

2014 Annual Report

2014 Annual Report

This Annual Report will offer you a brief overview of that impact and increase an understanding of all the volunteers, supporters, and partners who make the promise of ‘equal access to justice for all Arizonans’ closer to being possible.

Back to top

Advocating for Access to Justice - a Just 2015 Resolution

Advocating for Access to Justice - a Just 2015 Resolution

Tim Eigo, Editor of the Arizona Attorney, invites us to make access to justice our New Year's resolution. He uses our very own Dr. Kevin Ruegg and Community Legal Services' Lillian Johnson as shining examples.

Back to top

HUGE congratulations to our own Christina Urias! NAIC hired her as their International Insurance Regulatory Affairs Managing Director!

HUGE congratulations to our own Christina Urias! NAIC hired her as their International Insurance Regulatory Affairs Managing Director!

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced it has hired Christina Urias to the newly created position of International Insurance Regulatory Affairs Managing Director. This position reports directly to the CEO and has responsibility for NAIC international staff in Washington, D.C., New York City and Kansas City, Mo.

Back to top

02/08 Conflict in Families

More than 60% of domestic violence happens in the home. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, witnessing violence as a child is the strongest risk factor in transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. This academy will provide participants with interactive lessons to educate students on laws pertaining to domestic violence and understanding the difference between violence and acceptable parental discipline. Additionally, the materials will inform youth on the laws and possible consequences of running away and incorrigible acts. The lessons will equip students with the skills and strategies to reduce conflicts, avoid potential violence, report unsafe situations, and utilize community resources that can help families maintain healthy relationships.

Back to top

Heroin: Signs, Symptoms and Aftermath**SSP

This training will provide participants with interactive methods to educate youth on the risks associated with heroin use. It will also address statistics, addiction, and warning signs of users.

Back to top

The Foundation Welcomes 6 New Board Members

Cari Gerchick, Rachel Hernandez, Hon. Stephen F. McCarville, Samuel Saks, John Sullivan, and Geoffrey Trachtenberg join the Foundation's Board of Directors for 2015. We are very happy to have them join our team.

Back to top

Attorney General Mark Brnovich Recognizes the Accomplishments of the Mortgage Settlement Programs that Help Struggling Arizonans

Attorney General Mark Brnovich Recognizes the Accomplishments of the Mortgage Settlement Programs that Help Struggling Arizonans

"The statewide network of partners, funded through the national mortgage settlement reached an important milestone by providing aid to approximately 20,700 Arizonans through an array of assistance programs."

Back to top

2014

Outstanding Disabled Veteran Keeps on Giving

Outstanding Disabled Veteran Keeps on Giving

In continuation of our Pro Bono Week features, we would like to spotlight another outstanding volunteer who has done a great deal for this country, for veterans, and for his community through the Foundation. Click on the link below to learn more about attorney, and disable Veteran, Roger Ferland, and how he has given back to veterans in need. Truly an inspiration.

Back to top

Sky's the Limit

Sky's the Limit

As part of Pro Bono Week, we are spotlighting some of the great individuals who have volunteered countless hours to give back to their community and see that everyone has access to justice. Here is our first feature on U.S. Army Veteran and criminal defense attorney, Michael Urbano.

Back to top

You Can Count on the AZ Bar Foundation

Too often, people ask “Just what does the foundation do?” For all of you who wonder, here is a snapshot look, in numbers, of our impact just over the last month.


Download Document

Back to top

ARIZONA WILLS FOR HEROES PROGRAM HONORED

ARIZONA WILLS FOR HEROES PROGRAM HONORED

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced the Wills for Heroes program in Arizona will be given a Special Recognition award for the program’s dedication and commitment to law enforcement for various legal services that are provided to first responders. The program will be honored in Tucson on December 5th at the Pima County Sheriff’s annual awards dinner. The dinner will be held at the Marriott Tucson University Park Hotel.

Back to top

Foundation's 2nd Quarter Report

The Foundation's second quarter report is chock full of fun program updates!

Back to top

09/30 Mock Trial: Educating Youth on the Judicial System

During this 1-day training, participants are provided a variety of easy-to-follow curricula to help instructors implement a successful Mock Trial Program. The curriculum will enable students to understand the court system and increase their awareness of the importance of the law in a democratic society. Participants will also learn the requirements of the Arizona and National Mock Trial competitions as well as techniques to prepare students for conducting a trial.

Back to top

Access to Justice Update

Congratulations to the Modest Means and Mock Trial programs! These programs will each be given $100 as the beneficiaries of the Access to Justice Update Quiz Contest. Thank you for all who participated in our game! For those of you who haven't had the opportunity to read about the good works being accomplished through our Arizona educators and lawyers, the report is still available through the headline link above. Thanks to all who make equal access to justice a reality.

Back to top

National Recognition for Flexible Workplace

National Recognition for Flexible Workplace

The Arizona Bar Foundation was named one of the top 10 flexible workplaces in the country. When Work Works looks at companies around the country and surveys all staff. The Foundation has been the proud recipient for the last 5 years!

Back to top

Chief Justice Names 18 to Commission on Access to Justice

Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales announces the formation of the 18-member Commission on Access to Justice. The Commission will be chaired by Lawrence F. Winthrop, Judge on Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals and former president of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.

Back to top

09/12 iCivics.org: Encourage Civic Participation through Games

09/12 iCivics.org: Encourage Civic Participation through Games

Teaching today’s students means speaking their language. Participants of this training will learn how to use on-line games to educate youth on the 3 branches of government, their rights and public policy through iCivics.org. iCivics.org is the vision of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Through games, lessons, webcasts, and more students learn how the government works and how they can do their part by being a productive citizen. Students have a chance to be the President, solve the budget crises, implement a public policy and much more!

Back to top

09/04 Kids Voting: A Workshop for Students and Educators!

09/04 Kids Voting: A Workshop for Students and Educators!

This BRAND NEW Kids Voting training will give participants the tools they need to create their school’s voting polls. Learn how to let the students engage your school community in the exciting world of voting!! Students become the county recorder, the campaign staff, the volunteers working at the polls and SO MUCH MORE. Don’t just tell your students about voting, let them LIVE it!! Additionally, participants will be provided with a tutorial on how to utilize the Kids Voting online voting tool.

Back to top

Inaugural “Create a Law” Contest!

Inaugural “Create a Law” Contest!

LawForKids.org hosted our first statewide “Create A Law” Competition in celebration of Law Day 2014. Over 100 laws were submitted for consideration which brought in over 7,000 votes. Congratulations to all classes and students who participated. Below are the final results and competition winners for 2014.

Elementary Level—Cactus View Elementary School, Mrs. Pownall’s Class, 5th Grade 933 Votes:

Adrea's Law - There should be a day where it is Arizona Ice Cream Day. The date would be July 15th. This should be a law because the weather is so hot in Arizona, especially during the summer. Arizona could be the 1st state in the country to have an Ice Cream Day. People could get 1 free container of their favorite ice cream. People could get a coupon mailed or emailed to their house if they register to participate.

(Click Article Title to read more of the Winning Laws)

Back to top

AzLawHelp: 160,000+ Assisted in First Six Months

AzLawHelp: 160,000+ Assisted in First Six Months

This last quarter, the visitors to azlawhelp.org have almost doubled over the first quarter, a the chart above shows the increase was over 40,000 more visitors in the second quarter! If you know of businesses who would like to sponsor this website or attorneys who are interested in providing a Guest Attorney article, please have them contact [email protected] for further information.

Back to top

7/25/14 CLE Representing Unaccompanied Minors

Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project will be hosting a 3 hour CLE on represening unaccompanied Minors. CLE is $75 with all proceeds benefiting the Florence Project. pdf FINALCLE MINORS July 25th

Back to top

The Foundation thanks ALL it's Amazing Sponsors

The Foundation thanks ALL it's Amazing Sponsors A huge thank you to the Foundation Luncheon sponsors: Fennemore Craig Mesch, Clark & Rothschild Tom and Pat Giallanza Domingos Santos Bankers Trust Damon Boyd Dee Dee Samet Richard Platt Hon. Lawrence Winthrop Matthew Binford Hon. Maurice Portley Clarice Spicker

Back to top

Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsors

Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsors

Presiding Judge Sponsors

Fennemore Craig

Mesch, Clark & Rothschild PC

Guardian Ad Litem

Tom & Pat Giallanza

Domingos Santos

Expert Witness

Bankers Trust

Damon Boyd

Dee Dee Samet

Richard Platt

Hon. Lawrence Winthrop

Friend of the Court

Matthew Binford

Hon. Maurice Portley

Back to top

Neal Kurn to be honored as Walter Craig Distinguished Attorney

Neal Kurn to be honored as Walter Craig Distinguished Attorney

Having practiced fifty years at the Bar, Neal has more than demonstrated is "adherence to the highest principles and traditions of our profession." Neal has given of his time and talents to a host of community philanthropic organizations and been directly responsible for influencing in excess of $150 million to come to those organizations. However, to those who know best, Neal has not only been prodigious fundraiser for charity, but even more importantly, a mentor and wise counsel to those in charge of various charities.

Back to top

Heather Wellborn named Mark Santana LRE Attorney

Heather Wellborn named Mark Santana LRE Attorney

Ms. Wellborn has volunteered her time, knowledge, energy and love for the legal system to benefit the Lake Havasu High School?s Mock Trial Program and Mohave County Probation Departments Teen Court Program for the last 5 years. Heather?s love and passion for the legal system shines through, as she dedicates 2 to 3 nights a week for two hours at a time teaching high school students.

Back to top

Anne Ronan to Receive Foundation for Justice Award

Anne Ronan to Receive Foundation for Justice Award

Since 1991, Anne has been with Arizona Center for Disability Law, where she represents children and adult with disabilities in obtaining necessary and appropriate medical and mental health services. She is the attorney representing the class of children entitled to Medicaid-funded mental health services in J.K. v. Eden and the class of adults with serious mental illness in Arnold v. Sarn which did not reach a final resolution until this year.

Back to top

Tempe's Corona Del Sol takes 9th in National We the People Competition

After several days of competition in our Nation's capitol, Corona del Sol was honored April 27th as teh 9th place winners.  All top 10 teams get to compete in the Capitol building.  Also from Tempe, Marcos di Niza was honored with the Unit 5 award.  Congrats!

Back to top

Celebrate Law Day at your local Maricopa County Library!

Celebrate Law Day at your local Maricopa County Library!

On May 3 from 10 a.m. to noon visit your local participating library to listen and learn about legal resources available to you. Attorney panels will be discussing their areas of expertise and will be answering your legal questions. Please see the attached flyer for participating libraries and more information.

pdf Law4AZ-flyer_letter-sized

Back to top

Morris Institute for Justice hosts 3 hour Ethics CLE 5.16

Morris Institute for Justice hosts 3 hour Ethics CLE 5.16

I Do Not Even Know What the Cloud Is - Ethics Answers Lawyers Should Know.This informative seminar will be presented by Lynda Shely and Patricia Sallen in both Tucson and Phoenix. Click the image for more information.

Back to top

4/24 The Reality of Gangs: Gang Prevention **SSP

Overview: Did you know there are over 2000 documented gangs in Arizona? During this training, participants will explore strategies for preventing gang activity in schools. They will learn interactive strategies that will allow youth to take a look at gang life and educate them on the legal consequences of gang activity.

* Detective Hill from the State Gang Task Force will facilitate an hour session at this training to update participants on the current gang trends in Arizona as they relate to youth. Participants will then participate in a lesson utilizing Detective Hill’s information that they can implement with the parents and staff from their community to help raise awareness.

Training Objectives:

Learn prevention strategies for gang activity

Learn laws associated with gang activity and crimes

Recognize youth in gangs Campus

Issues Addressed:

Lack of understanding legal consequences

Lack of respect for authority ;

Lack of understanding rights and responsibilities

Weapons on campus

Back to top

4/29 Kids Voting AZ: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens *FREE

Overview:The Kids Voting AZ curriculum provides lessons and activities to enhance civic education and reinvigorate democracy. Kids Voting AZ enables students to have a real-life voting experience that mirrors the adult process. Kids Voting AZ teaches youth the importance of civic participation and the responsibilities of voting.

Training Objectives:

Strategies/Activities to engage students to be knowledgeable, active citizens

Useful content that will guide students through the voting process

Effective methods for developing informed citizens

Campus Issues Curriculum Addresses:

Lack of interest in school Lack of appreciation for surrounding community

Lack of understanding rights and responsibilities

Lack of civic participation

Lack of understanding the voting process

Back to top

2014 Mock Trial State!

On March 23rd, 16 teams from across the state demonstrated their courtroom knowledge at the Sandra Day O'Connor Federal Courthouse. University High School, from Tucson, took the high score and will be going on to the national competition in May in Madison, Wisconsin.

Back to top

John J Ross and Mark Santana nomination deadline extended to MARCH 15

To give teachers, attorneys and students a little extra time this busy year, we have extended the nomination deadline to March 15, 2014. Visit the corresponding award pages for more information!

Back to top

Looking for an Internship?

The Foundation has several internship opportunities available including accounting, legal services, and law related education. Contact the Foundation for more information. pdf intern program description2

Back to top

Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens *FREE

Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens *FREE

2/20/2014 - The Kids Voting curriculum provides lessons and activities to enhance civic education and reinvigorate democracy. Kids Voting enables students to have a real-life voting experience that mirrors the adult process. Kids Voting teaches youth the importance of civic participation and the responsibilities of voting.

Back to top

Sensitive Issues in Teenage Lives **SSP

02/06/2014 - During this training, participants will take a look at topics that may be difficult for teens to discuss. Participants will learn strategies to give students a safe, supervised way to learn the facts, discover their feelings, and examine their attitudes and behaviors.

Back to top

2013-2014 Annual Arizona We the People State Competition

The Foundation hosted our annual Arizona We the People State Competition, funded by the Arizona Supreme Court, on January 11, 2014 at Grand Canyon University. The top ten high school teams from the Regional level Competitions competed in the simulated hearings. Corona del Sol, our State Champions, will advance on to Nationals in April. Congratulations to all of the schools who competed and showcased. Click here to see the list of teams and state competition rankings.

Back to top

Enter Your Student into the ABA's YLD Law Day Art Contest

Enter Your Student into the ABA's YLD Law Day Art Contest

The ABA Young Lawyers Division is accepting entries for its Law Day Art Contest. The annual contest provides U.S. students grades 9 -12 the chance to get creative and win prizes worth up to $750! Students are encouraged to submit art pieces on this year’s theme, "American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters." The deadline for entry is March 7, 2014.

Back to top

2 Important Reports from 2013 on Legal Aid

The Foundation had two important reports created in 2013. The Legal Need study shows the real legal issues facing Arizonans currently. The SROI report - Social Return on Investment - shows that for every DOLLAR invested in legal aid, the economy sees a SIX DOLLAR return! pdf 2013 The Legal Need of Arizona pdf CSACO SROI Report reduced

Back to top

Project Citizen 102: Electronic Portfolios *FREE

The Center for Civic Education is expanding this program to include electronic portfolios. Participants of this training will learn how to implement Project Citizen in their classroom through the use of technology. Hands on techniques will be used to ensure that each participant leaves the training with the tools necessary to create an electronic portfolio. In addition to learning how to develop an electronic portfolio, participants will receive strategies for effectively engaging students in a showcase. Participating in the AZ State Showcase is NOT a requirement to attend this training.

Back to top

A Jury of Peers: A Teen Court Workshop *FREE

Teen Court teachers and 1 student from their court are invited to attend this workshop to receive hands-on expert advice from real legal professionals. This one day training will be broken down into several sessions that provide courtroom strategies that will enhance current Teen Courts. Experts for each session will use interactive techniques to give students and their teachers tips that they can take back to their peers. *Only the teacher should register; NOT the student.

Back to top

Mastering the Common Core and Increasing Civic Literacy through Project Citizen *FREE

Teachers will use Project Citizen to deepen their understanding of the Common Core State Standards and promote civic literacy for their students. Through the use of hands-on learning, participants will examine the portfolio-based program and how it will assist them in the classroom through specific connections to Common Core to standards and effective instruction. Participants in this training will walk away with knowledge of the 6 Common Core Shifts for ELA and Literacy as well as a thorough understanding of the Project Citizen Program in order to increase Social Studies instruction and civic literacy in their classroom.

Back to top

Access to Justice 3rd Quarter Report

During the first half of 2013: Nearly 200,000 people have visited one of the three legal information websites; the Legal LEARN contact center has received over 7,000 calls; 627 students participated in the We the People competition; and, for a complete report - Click Below. pdf 3rd qtr 2013

Back to top

2013

12-12-13 Viewer Discretion Advised: Messages in Media **SSP

This training equips participants with tools to educate youth on how to examine the media’s constant influence on young consumers. Participants will understand the role media plays in dictating youth’s behaviors and the way they perceive the world. This training offers an interactive approach to analyze hidden messages regarding dating violence, gangs, drug use, alcohol use and more.

Back to top

12-6-13 iCivics.org: Encourage Civic Participation through Games *FREE

Participants of this training will learn how to use on-line games to educate youth on the 3 branches of government, their rights and public policy through iCivics.org.

Back to top

Access to Justice Update - First Half of 2013

During the first half of 2013: Nearly 200,000 people have visited one of the three legal information websites;the Legal LEARN contact center has received over 7,000 calls; 627 students participated in the We the People competition; and, for a complete report - Click Below.
Download Document

Back to top

Institute for Justice to Honor Patricia Gerrich

Institute for Justice to Honor Patricia Gerrich

The event will be held:
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013
from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
At THE FILLMORE VIG - Downtown Phoenix.
pdf MIJ Phoenix Invite 11 14 13

Back to top

Defenders for Children CLE in Flagstaff

Attorney & Child AdvocacyTraining "Get It Done" Date: Fri.,October 18 8:00 - 5:00 p.m. Location: Flagstaff Police Station For information, call 602-710-1903 or [email protected]

Back to top

Foundation Loses Dear Friend, George Lyons

Foundation Loses Dear Friend, George Lyons

George was not only a past Foundation president and great supporter, but a good friend to all at the Foundation. George lived a happy, radiating, and full life, and will be remembered with a smile by everyone who had the good fortune to come into contact with him. His loss will be felt by many.

Back to top

Az Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference Nov. 2nd

Az Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference Nov. 2nd

"Common Core: Staking a Claim in the 21st Century" Grand Canyon University

Back to top

William E. Morris Institute for Justice honors Grace McIlvain with a Lifetime Achievement for Justice Award in Tucson

William E. Morris Institute for Justice honors Grace McIlvain with a Lifetime Achievement for Justice Award in Tucson

Join the Institute in honoring this remarkable woman and support a great cause in turn! October 18th at Hotel Congress in Tucson.

Back to top

BAR FOUNDATION RECOGNIZED FOR EXEMPLARY WORKPLACE PRACTICES

BAR FOUNDATION RECOGNIZED FOR EXEMPLARY WORKPLACE PRACTICES

The Foundation has been honored with the 2013 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility for its use of flexibility and other aspects of workplace effectiveness as a workplace strategy to increase business and employee success. This prestigious award, part of the national When Work Works project administered by Families and Work Institute (FWI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), recognizes employers of all sizes and types across the country.

Back to top

Arizona Attorney Celebrates Foundation's 35th!

Arizona Attorney Celebrates Foundation's 35th!

As the Foundation turns 35, the Arizona Attorney's latest issue features reminiscences from many of the Foundation's past presidents

Back to top

09/19 The Keys to Successful Driving **SSP

During this academy, participants will learn interactive ways to educate students on driver education and safety. A variety of materials and curricula will be provided to participants that will cover legal topics such as the Graduated License Program, Arizona traffic laws, aggressive driving and DUIs. Participants will leave the training with lessons, activities, and resources that will assist them in preparing students to become safe and responsible drivers.

Back to top

09/12 Mock Trial: A Workshop for Educators & Students

Participants are encouraged to bring one student with them to this highly educational training! Mock Trial teachers and their student will receive hands on advice and strategies from an experienced Mock Trial teacher and Attorneys. Students will also be able to practice their skills to receive immediate feedback from an attorney.

Back to top

2013 Award Convention

The Foundation is very proud of the wonderful awards luncheon, the award recipients and speeches! Click to read the speeches and watch award videos

Back to top

At Risk of Losing your home? Need legal assistance?

The Arizona Attorney General's Office has made funding available to offer legal assistance to many Arizonans hurting from the foreclosure crisis that swept our nation over the last several years. for more information about services that are available, please follow the link in the the title above.

Back to top

Thanks to Clarice Spicker and George Lyons for being our Expert Witness Level Sponsors

George Lyons of Law Offices of George Lyons and Clarice Spicker from the Court of Appeals both generously donated to the Foundation Luncheon at the Expert Witness level.

Back to top

Chief Justice Berch - Mark Santana Award

Chief Justice Berch - Mark Santana Award

Chief Justice Berch?s direct involvement and strong support of civic education makes her more than worthy of recognition. Her continued leadership with the Arizona I-Civic-It program to engage students in civic education serves as an inspiration and model for others across the nation.

Back to top

Ellen S. Katz - Foundation for Justice Award

Ellen S. Katz - Foundation for Justice Award

Through Ellen?s advocacy the system for those most vulnerable has advanced in numerous areas. Ellen?s representation of the poverty population is extensive.

Back to top

Snell & Wilmer Sponsor Awards Luncheon

Snell & Wilmer Sponsor Awards Luncheon

Thank you to Snell & Wilmer for sponsoring the Foundation's annual award luncheon.

Back to top

Foundation 2013 Award Luncheon

Foundation 2013 Award Luncheon

Join the Foundation in honoring and thanking our 2013 Awardees: Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award - Ms. Barbara Dawson; William E. Morris Pro Bono Award - Mr. Stanley Friedman; Mark Santana Law Related Education Award - Chief Justice Rebecca Berch; and, Foundation for Justice Award - Ms. Ellen Katz

Back to top

Barbara Dawson - 2013 WEC Distinguished Attorney

Barbara Dawson  - 2013 WEC Distinguished Attorney

Barbara Dawson's professional achievements as a commercial litigator with Snell & Wilmer alone would make her a worthy candidate for this award, but it is her many years of leadership on access to justice issues that truly show her "adherence to the highest principles and tradition of the legal profession."

 

Back to top

Stanley Friedman - WEM Pro Bono Services Award

Stanley Friedman - WEM Pro Bono Services Award

Retirement for some means you stop working. For Stanley Freidman it meant law school. Stan left his thriving insurance business in New Jersey to his sons and started law school to be admitted in 1998. After he and his wife moved to Arizona, he was determined to continue to use his legal skills to serve the community. Under Rule 38e he began to demonstrate his creativity and commitment to pro bono service.

Back to top

AN ETHICS REFRESHER-CONFLICTS, CONFIDENTIALITY, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND MORE”

Sign up today for the William E. Morris sponsored Ethics CLE. Contact [email protected] to rsvp. The CLE is a suggested donation of $120. pdf MIJ CLE Invite 5 31 13 _final_

Back to top

2013 Summer Law Camp

2013 Summer Law Camp

The State Bar of Arizona is hosting their annual Summer Law Camp and is now accepting applications. This camp will be held in Tucson and Phoenix. Students in grades 9-12 for the 2013/14 school year are encouraged to apply. For more information please download the flyer below.

Back to top

2013 Project Citizen State Results!

Students spoke with passion about their pbulic policy ideas at the 2013 state Project Citizen Showcase. Franklin Phonetic received the best score for their oral hearings, and Lineweaver won for their portfolio. Portfolios will go on to the national championship this summer.

Oral Hearing Results:

Desert Sands – Got License? Outstanding

Franklin Phonetic – Recreation Center Superior

Lineweaver Elementary School - Sleep Deprivation and the Start time of School Superior

Rhodes Jr. High – Divorce Superior

Smith Jr. High – Animal Testing Exceptional

Smith Jr. High – Cyberbullying Exceptional

Smith Jr. High – Drinking and Driving Exceptional

Smith Jr. High – Gun Laws Outstanding

Back to top

VLP Ethics CLE on June 4: Register today!

Nuts and Bolts of the Attorney Client Relationship

Tuesday, June 4 > 10:00 am to noon Tucson

Faculty:

William L. Rubin & Pam Treadwell-Rubin

Topics

> When does a potential client become a client

> Duties to prospective clients

> Terminating the attorney-client relationship

> Conflicts of interest

Back to top

Corona Del Sol Places Sixth at We the People Nationals

Corona Del Sol Places Sixth at We the People Nationals

This weekend teams from across the nation competed in D.C. in the National We the People Competition. Tempe, Arizona's Corona Del Sol placed sixth! Congrats to both Corona and Marcos de Niza!

Back to top

Have a legal question? Ask a lawyer for FREE on April 27.

2013 Law Day Legal Aid Clinics
Click here to find out more!

Back to top

Court of Appeals Division One signs up to create a Silent Auction Basket

Court of Appeals Division One signs up to create a Silent Auction Basket

The latest group to throw in their hat into the ring...or basket in this case...is the Court of Appeals Judges! The Bar Foundation has a commitment of 19 baskets so far. Be sure to get your form turned in asap!

Back to top

Snell & Wilmer Sponsor Pro Bono Prom

Snell & Wilmer signed on to be the Guardian Ad Litem level sponsor of the Pro Bono prom. This entitles them to 10 tickets to the event, and a quarter page thank you message in the program. With just a week and half left, sponsors are still needed so click on the link above and take this opportunity to sign up today!

Back to top

Mt. Ridge High School to Go to Mock Trial Nationals

Mt. Ridge took state over last year's state finalists Xavier College Prep at the Arizona Mock Trial Championships. They will go on to compete with teams across the country this May in Indianapolis. 2nd through 4th were Xavier, Arizona School for the Arts and University High School. Additional teams that made it to state were BASIS Flagstaff, Brophy, Chaparral, Lake Havasu, Payson, St. Gregory (Tucson), South Mountain, & Tanque Verde.

Additional congratulations to the All State Team Members and Arizona Association of Defence Counsel scholarship winners at the 2013 State Mock Trial Tournament held March 23rd at the Sandra Day O'Connor Federal Courthouse:

Heidi Artigue (Chaparral)--$500 Scholarship Winner

Alexis Carter (South Mountain)--$300 Scholarship Winner

Madison Dodge (University)--$200 Scholarship Winner

Sarah Molinaro (Mountain Ridge)

Margo Evilsizor (ASA)

Victoria Wisthoff (Xavier)

Jay Lusk (Basis Flagstaff)

Justice Ryan Special Award of Merit winner--Valerie DeLuca of Mountain Ridge.

Back to top

Arizona Gives Day!

Arizona Gives Day!

Help Arizona Non-profits by donating. One day can make a difference. Remember your legal aid agencies!

Back to top

Get your tickets online now!
Join us at the Pro Bono Prom...

Get your tickets online now!<br>Join us at the Pro Bono Prom...

Come honor the 2012 Top Pro Bono Attorneys all while creating some new fun prom memories!
When and Where?

April 6th 2013 @ 7-10 pm
Stars Ballroom
2848 S Carriage Ln
Mesa, AZ 85202
Get your tickets online now!

Back to top

Thank You to Basket Donors...Keep Them Coming!

Thank You to Basket Donors...Keep Them Coming!

The amazing baskets keep coming! Basket concepts have been submitted by:

State Bar Board of Governors

Arizona Court of Appeals Division One Judges

Arizona Court of Appeals Division One Clerks

State Bar's Legal Services Committee

Snell & Wilmer's IP Division

Paradigm Tax Group

Synda Prindle

Christina Urias Consulting

AWLA

Give Love Baskets

Meredith Peabody Consulting

All the Foundation Committees

Thank you All!

Back to top

Nominate an Attorney, Teacher or SRO for a Foundation award!

Nominating is easy, but the deadline is coming up fast - March 1st. Just send us a name, letter(s) of support and resume (if possible). Help recognize our great leaders in law and civics!

 

Back to top

Create a Silent Auction Basket to Support Legal Aid

The Foundation will be auctioning themed baskets during this year's SBA annual convention. pdf flyer

 

Back to top

Thank You to the State Bar for Culinary Dropout Event

Thank You to the State Bar for Culinary Dropout Event

The State Bar hosted a special event at Fox's newest restaurant Culinary Dropout. Funds from the event went to the Foundation, which raised over $1,200!

Back to top

Free CLE's through Arizona Center for Disability

Free One-Hour Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Lunch Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) / Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Appeals Wednesday, February 27, 2013 11:45 am to 1:00 pm Special Education Law Wednesday, March 6, 2013 11:45 am to 1:00 pm CLEs are offered simultaneously in Phoenix and Tucson For more information contact: [email protected]

Back to top

Arizona Supreme Court Justices Leading the Way to our Next Generation

Arizona Supreme Court Justices Leading the Way to our Next Generation

Arizona Supreme Court Justices Leading the Way to our Next Generation The AZ Bar Foundation has made the goal to have 100 Next Generation Fellows by the close of Arizona’s Centennial celebration on February 14th! “This milestone is a fantastic way for the Foundation, and Arizona’s Legal community, to end Arizona’s yearlong celebration,” stated Lara Slifko, Chief Resource Officer of the AZ Bar Foundation. “Having our Arizona Supreme Court Justice lead us into the next hundred years is an honor and symbolic of the importance that equal access to justice holds in Arizona’s court system.”

Back to top

Buy a T-shirt and Help Florence Project

The folk rock duo THE INDIGO GIRLS are offering a limited edition t-shirt that benefits The Florence Immigration and Refugee Rights Project. T-shirts are $20.

Back to top

You Have Until January 31st to donate an IRA distribution to Your Favorite Charity

if you are over 70 you have till January 31st to take advantage of the IRA distribution donation. Learn more...

Back to top

We the People State Results

Saturday January 12th was the state We the People Showcase. The results were: 1st: Corona Del Sol (Tempe) 2nd: Marcos Di Niza (Tempe) 3rd: Hamilton (Chandler) 4th: Lake Havasu

Back to top

Mock Trial State

Mock Trial State will be on March 23rd at the Sandra Day O' Connor Federal Courthouse

Back to top

We the People State 2013

We the People state is almost here! January 12th at Grand Canyon University

Back to top

2012

Five Year Goal Report

The AZ Bar Foundation shares the completion report of the 2008-2012 Strategic Plan. The work that has been accomplished would not have been possible except for the amazing contributions of our partners.


Download Document

Back to top

Happy Holidays

The Foundation wishes you a wonderful end of the year. Our offices will be closed from December 22nd through January 1st. Happy Holidays!

Back to top

We the People District Awardees

This month teams from across the state competed in their region in the We the People tournament - a mock congressional hearing competition. Teams advancing to state are Prescott High , Morenci, Rio Rico, Lake Havasu, Corona del Sol, Marcos de Niza, Hamilton, Dobson, Higley, and Gilbert Classical Academy. The teams will compete for the state tital on January 12th.

Back to top

We the People Competition January 12th

We the People state competition will be held January 12th at Grand Canyon University. To volunteer contact us at [email protected]

Back to top

Congrats to 2012 Schubert awardee Kyle Robertson

Congrats to 2012 Schubert awardee Kyle Robertson

While in law school, Kyle worked with the Consumer Advocacy Protection Program providing legal assistance to low-income families throughout Arizona. He also traveled throughout the state on the Family Justice Bus, a program designed to bring free legal services to underserved communities.

Back to top

I Just Want to Be Me: Bully Prevention 12/12/12

This training will focus on the always present issue of bullying. Participants will take a closer look at the hardships that many youth face daily. The focus of this training will be on strategies for helping bystanders understand different lifestyles in order to create empathy for specific targets of bullying.

Back to top

True Evidence: Forensic Science for Kids 11/29/2012

Through this training, participants will learn about crime scene investigation methods, evidence collection, the different types of physical evidence that is collected, and more. The activities during this training will provide participants with the tools necessary to encourage their students to use reasoning and critical thinking skills to solve problems.

Back to top

Has Your Student Voted?

Has Your Student Voted?

Be sure they vote in the Kids Voting 2012 Presidential Election! www.lawforkids.org

Back to top

Congrats to 2012 Schubert Awardee Adam Almaraz

Congrats to 2012 Schubert Awardee Adam Almaraz

Adam Almaraz started his interest in advocating for others in middle school when he joined the City of Flagstaff's Youth Commission, and spoke to the City Council about major issues affecting youth. He continued his work in high school and college. In law school, he worked with Chicano/Latino Law Students Association (CLLSA), OUTLaw, and was a student liaison on the Maricopa County Bar Association's Diversity Committee.

Back to top

Congrats to 2012 Georgia Ellexson Awardee

Congrats to 2012 Georgia Ellexson Awardee

As the daughter of Air Force officers, Stephanie grew up learning the importance of public service. In law school, she focused on constitutional and criminal law. Inspired by her parents» example, Stephanie hopes to work for the DOJ in their criminal or civil rights division...read more

Back to top

Kids Voting Text Poll Final Results

Thank you to all who participated!

Johnson 15%

Obama 31%

Romney 51%

Stein 3%

Total Votes 817

Back to top

Arizona Town Hall 9/13 - Civic Engagement

Arizona Town Hall 9/13 - Civic Engagement

It’s a Golden Celebration and we invite you to the kick off of the Arizona Town Hall’s 50th Anniversary campaign celebrating civic engagement and five decades of championing civil discourse and consensus dialogue. Join us for a special September 13 Forum on Civic Engagement - an action-inspired community conversation with the following issue areas in focus: Education and Civics; Government and Political Systems; Civil Discourse and Individual Action.

Back to top

Defenders of Children Celebrate 5 years

Defenders of Children Celebrate 5 years

Defenders of Children will host a Black & Blink Dinner on September 21st at Seasons 52. Attorney General Tom Horne will be speaking.

Back to top

SRPMIC Elect Dog as best Pet!

Teachers at Salt River Elementary School have been working with their classes to learn about voting. 312 students voted out of 390, deciding between cat and dog as best pet. "The kids were so excited to get their Kids Voting sticker." stated Dawn Burstyn-Meyers

Back to top

Taking the Politics Out of Redistricting

Taking the Politics Out of Redistricting

WEM Institute for Justice will host a seminar in both Tucson and Phoenix on 9/20 from 3 - 4:30. The seminar will introduce you to the ins and outs of Arizona's 2011 Independent Redistricting Commission.

Back to top

Foundation Faculty Sepp Sprietsma meets President Obama

Foundation Faculty Sepp Sprietsma meets President Obama

JPO Sprietsma was selected to attend a birthday event at the President’s Chicago home on August 12th. “Since my kids were not able to attend the President wrote them a hand written note.” We congratulate Sepp for being selected to meet our 43rd President.

Back to top

Like our New LFK Facebook Page!

Like our New LFK Facebook Page!

Keep up with what is happening in juvenile law and LawForKids.org.

Back to top

Register to Participate in Kids Voting!

Early Voting Begins October 11th

Back to top

CLS Attorney Tom Alongi Wins AzCADV's Ocotillo Award

CLS Attorney Tom Alongi Wins AzCADV's Ocotillo Award

Tom Alongi, Community Legal Services Attorney and long time domestic violence advocate, will be honored at the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2012 Thrive Gala on September 19th. The Ocotillo award honors someone who has identified an issue facing domestic violence victims and has championed legislative or budgetary change to address the problem. Congratulations Tom! You are a well deserved honoree!

Back to top

Free Kids Voting Trainings!

Free Kids Voting Trainings!

Make sure you have all you need to participate in the 2012 Kids Voting election and activities. 09/13 Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens *FREE* 10/10 Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens *FREE*

Back to top

Fewer evictions mean Tucson rents may fall

Fewer evictions mean Tucson rents may fall

Even with lower rental rates, more people are looking for legal help to avoid eviction. Anthony Young, executive director of Southern Arizona Legal Aid, said his office has seen requests for renters hoping to avoid eviction go up about 10 percent over the past year and a half. But he said tenants "might feel like they may have no defense" and move out before the landlord actually files eviction documents in court, Young said.

Back to top

2012 Award Luncheon

2012 Award Luncheon

Enjoy pictures of this year's "Celebration of our Legal Aid History"

Please click here to view the slide show.

Back to top

Restaino receives Foundation for Justice Award

Restaino receives Foundation for Justice Award

Todd Lang spoke brilliantly about his friend and colleague, Gary Restaino, who has embodied the spirit of the “Justice Bales” award throughout his career and life.

Back to top

Karen Ryan Accepts Award on Behalf of Husband, Justice Ryan

Karen Ryan Accepts Award on Behalf of Husband, Justice Ryan

Remembered for his great work and spirit, very few dry eyes could be seen after Justice Ryan's award video and Karen Ryan's beautiful words.

Back to top

State Bar President Amelia Craig Cramer speaks about the importance of access to justice

State Bar President Amelia Craig Cramer speaks about the importance of access to justice

As the keynote speaker for the Foundation's annual awards luncheon, Cramer spoke of the importance of pro bono and supporting legal aid.  "I ask you all to join me as a Next Generation Fellow," stated the newly appointed Bar President.  Craig Cramer began her term on the close of the State Bar's convention on June 22nd.

pdf To read full speech click here

Back to top

Hon. Murguia receives award for work with Court Works Program

Hon. Murguia receives award for work with Court Works Program

Judge Murguia stressed the importance of funding for programs that educate our youth about the justice system.

Back to top

Rob Ferrier Receives William E. Morris Award

Rob Ferrier Receives William E. Morris Award

Rob has assisted 211 clients with the Volunteer Lawyer Program in Tucson. "I always wanted to be a hero, and by being a volunteer attorney, I can be."

Back to top

Judge Mary Murguia Named Mark Santana Awardee

Judge Mary Murguia Named Mark Santana Awardee

Hon. Mary Murguia of the U.S. District Court was named the Mark Santana Law Related Education Attorney.  She will receive the award at the Foundation's annual awards luncheon on June 21st at the Biltmore resort.

Back to top

TFAP Continues to do Great Work

TFAP Continues to do Great Work

The Tucson Family Advocacy Program, based at the Family and Community Medicine Clinic, exists because issues such as substandard housing, domestic violence, and not having enough money to meet basic needs can seriously harm a person’s health. Doctors at the clinic refer patients who are struggling with such issues to TFAP Director Anne Ryan, a lawyer who spearheaded the development of TFAP with encouragement and funding from several organizations. TFAP began providing legal services to family medicine patients in 2005. Learn more about what TFAP and UofA are doing

Back to top

Thank an Awardee with a donation to the Foundation

For a $100 donation you can have your name listed in the Foundation Luncheon program thanking our wonderful awardees for their fight for access to justice issues: Justice Michael Ryan, Rob Ferrier, Gary Restaino, Hon. Mary Marguia, and our 2012 top pro bono attorneys.

Back to top

Gary Restaino Named Foundation for Justice Recipient

Gary Restaino Named Foundation for Justice Recipient

Gary Restaino was named the 2012 Foundation for Justice recipient. He will receive the award at the Foundation's annual awards luncheon on June 21st at the Biltmore resort.

Back to top

Don't Forget to Purchase Tickets to the Foundation's Luncheon

Don't Forget to Purchase Tickets to the Foundation's Luncheon

The annual award's luncheon will be held at the Biltmore on June 21st. 

Back to top

Rob Ferrier Name William E. Morris Recipient

Rob Ferrier Name William E. Morris Recipient

Rob Ferrier from the law firm Khalidi & Ferrier PLLC was named the William E. Morris Pro Bono Services Attorney.  He will receive the award at the Foundation's annual awards luncheon on June 21st at the Biltmore resort.

Back to top

Wills for Heroes FREE CLE at Annual SBA Convention

Wills for Heroes FREE CLE at Annual SBA Convention

At the 2012 annual SBA convention in Phoenix, Arizona, attorneys interested in volunteering for the Wills for Heroes program should consider attending a CLE on Friday June 22nd.  The CLE will be an overview of basic estate planning principles and everything you need to know to be a Wills for Heroes volunteer - and it's FREE. The following day, WFH will host an event for first responders.  To register for the CLE visit the Bar's website and select the  FREE CLE.

Back to top

DNA seeks Staff Attorney

DNA People's Legal Services is seeking a staff attorney for their Tuba City Office.

Back to top

Justice Ryan Named Walter Craig Recipient

Justice Ryan Named Walter Craig Recipient

Justice Michael Ryan was posthumously named the Walter E. Craig Distinguished Services Attorney of the Year.  His widow will be presented with award at the Foundation's annual luncheon, June 21st.

Back to top

Community Legal Services Mourns Loss of Managing Attorney, J. Ward Sturm

Managing Attorney of Community Legal Services’ Yavapai County office since 1997, J. Ward Sturm, died Saturday, April 28th in Prescott’s Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Ward, as he was known to all, was the ‘heart’ of the CLS office in Prescott, where he managed Yavapai County’s only civil legal aid office for low-income residents with critical legal problems.

Back to top

Florence Project Wins 2012 Emil Gumpert Award

Florence Project Wins 2012 Emil Gumpert Award

The Florence Project is honored to be named the recipient of the American College of Trial Lawyer’s 2012 Emil Gumpert Award! The Emil Gumpert Award recognizes programs whose principal purpose is to maintain and improve the administration of justice. The award honors the late Honorable Emil Gumpert, Chancellor and Founder of the American College of Trial Lawyers. With the award funds, Florence will be undertaking a significant inventory, review, and redesign of their current pro se materials to improve and expand access to self-help materials for pro se detainees and individuals and organizations who assist them. All of these materials are currently available here and are used by detainees in Arizona and by detainees, legal service organizations, and advocates across the country.

Back to top

Horne Issues National Mortgage Settlement Consumer Alert to Arizonans

As the National Mortgage Settlement between Arizona and 48 other states, the federal government, and the country’s five largest residential mortgage loan servicers goes into effect, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne is alerting Arizona consumers looking for mortgage relief to beware of scam artists.

Back to top

Southern Arizona Legal Aid Director Anthony Young

Southern Arizona Legal Aid Director Anthony Young

Washington, DC – Southern Arizona Legal Aid (SALA) Executive Director Anthony Young was one of six legal services program directors selected to participate in a White House forum examining the state of civil legal assistance for low-income Americans. The forum, co-hosted by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), took place on Tuesday, April 17.

Back to top

State Bar of Arizona Hosts First Annual Law Day Legal-Aid Clinics- 4/28

Clinics will offer free legal advice across the Valley and in Tucson in celebration of Law Day

Back to top

2012 Statewide Competition Mock Trial Results

We are proud to announce the results of the 2012 State Mock Trial tournament!

1st Place - Xavier North (Team SER) (Representing Arizona at the National Competition in Albuquerque May 3-6)

Read more...

Back to top

Foundation Loses One of Its Own

Foundation Loses One of Its Own

Tuttle, Andrew Stephen Byrne, 33, March 17, 2012, in Phoenix, Arizona. Andrew died unexpectedly, passing away in his sleep. Andrew’s mortal shell is gone, but his spirit remains here, with his family and friends.

Andrew was born December 4, 1978, and had a life-long commitment to Arizona, even to the point of choosing his college experience at Northern Arizona University, much to his mother’s chagrin, who had (not so) secretly hoped Andrew would consider attending some small, private liberal arts college in Massachusetts. Prior to NAU, Andrew was a proud graduate of All Saints Episcopal Day School and Brophy College Preparatory, both of Phoenix. In and out of school, Andrew was a gifted athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball. He still holds many of the athletic records at All Saints. We would be remiss, however, if we didn’t also mention that he holds some of the discipline records as well!

Andrew was passionate about many things, including politics, current events and, of course, everything related to sports. He knew world geography, political systems, theories of government and, most tellingly, societal conditions and needs that exist on every continent. A conversation with Andrew was, in essence, a tutorial on the human condition and spirit. He was most passionate, however, about his friends and the enduring relationships that make life worth living.

Andrew found his life’s work at the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, a non-profit entity devoted to providing access to justice to all Arizonans. Andrew’s kind and caring nature was a perfect fit with a dedicated group of people all striving to protect individuals and improve the civil justice system.

Andrew is survived by his mother and stepfather, Patricia and Lawrence Winthrop, of Phoenix, and his father and stepmother, Steve and Mary Tuttle, of Traverse City, Michigan. He is also survived by a multitude of friends and colleagues whose lives were enriched by his sweet personality and thoughtful acts.

Those who knew and loved Andrew are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at the home of Matt and Michele Feeney, 6525 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, 4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85016-6288.

Back to top

Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens

Free Training March 15th on Kids Voting activities and curriculum!

Back to top

Hon. Roxanne Song Ong honored as one of Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women

Hon. Roxanne Song Ong honored as one of Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women
Phoenix Municipal Court Presiding Judge Roxanne Song Ong, will be honored as one of Arizona’s 48 most Intriguing Women by the Arizona Centennial Legacy Project.

In 2005, Judge Song Ong, was the first Chinese-American female to become a chief presiding judge for Phoenix Municipal Court. 

Among the distinguished list of women includes fellow Arizona jurists, Sandra Day O’Connor (Ret) Supreme Court Justice, the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court and first woman to serve as the majority leader of a state Senate. 

Mary Schroeder, first woman chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and Barbara Mundell (Ret) Presiding Judge of the Maricopa County Superior Court.

“It is indeed a humbling experience and I am so honored to be placed in the company of these phenomenal women,” said Judge Song Ong.

Arizona's 48 Most Intriguing Women a designated Arizona Centennial Legacy Project by the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission.

For more information about the honorees please see press release or visit http://www.48women.org/.

Back to top

Mock Trial Judges Needed

Interested in judging the top Arizona Mock Trial teams on March 24th?  Contact the Foundation or fax your sign up sheet today!

Back to top

Check out the Foundaton's Newsletter and End of the Year Report

Check out the Foundaton's Newsletter and End of the Year Report

2011 Marks Fourth Year of Foundation's Five Year Strategic Plan

Highlights in the End of Year Report include:

  • Staff almost doubling the amount of technical assistance provided to the community from 2010
  • Hosting the National Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix last May
  • Kids Voting Arizona hosted two elections for Mayoral run-off and Senate Recall
  • Grew the Next Generation of Fellows Program from 33 in 2010 to 65

Back to top

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - Fundraising Plan

The Foundation is publishing this Request for Proposal for a 5 Year Strategic Fundraising Development Plan. For background information on the Foundation it is recommended that you review this website: http://www.azflse.org 
Download Document

Back to top

A Great Loss for Justice System as Arizona mourns loss of Justice Ryan

A Great Loss for Justice System as Arizona mourns loss of Justice Ryan

Arizona's Justice system has lost one of their great leaders - (Ret.) Justice Michael Ryan. Ryan, who had retired from the Arizona Supreme Court in 2010, was a known for being a selfless public servant. Even after retirement he continued to do volunteer work and be actively involved with the Court. 

Justice Michael Ryan was a second lieutenant in the Marine Corp and went to Vietnam in 1968, where he sustained to injuries – the second causing him to forever use a wheelchair. After graduating from ASU School of Law he starting working at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in the late seventies. 

Justice Ryan was appointed to the Superior Court in 1986, Court of Appeals in 1996, and spent his last 8 years on the bench of the Supreme Court before retiring. He was involved in many well known Arizona cases like the felony trial of former Gov. Evan Mecham and “AzScam” public corruption cases in the early 1990’s.

 As a active volunteer with the Foundation, his presence and passion will be sorely missed not only at our events, but to the community as a whole. 

http://www.azbar.org/newsevents/newsreleases/2012/01/statebarmournsjusticeryan

http://www.kpho.com/story/16636338/former-az-supreme-court-justice-ryan-dies

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/LaurieRoberts/154056

Back to top

Project Citizen 101 Academy 02/15

Project Citizen 101: Promoting Competent and Responsible Participation in Local and State Government

Back to top

Corona del Sol High School named State Champions

Corona del Sol High School named State Champions

(Phoenix, AZ) - Competing against Arizona’s top 10 regional teams, Tempe’s Corona del Sol High School captured a first-place ranking in the annual We the People academic competition. The students from Corona del Sol will represent Arizona in Washington, DC at the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals in late April.More than 1200 High School students from all fifty states and the District of Columbia will participate in this highly prestigious academic competition that tests students’ knowledge of the U.S. Constitution.

Back to top

Staff Reductions Hit Legal Aid Programs

Staff Reductions Hit Legal Aid Programs

Washington, DC—The nonprofit programs funded by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to deliver civil legal assistance to low-income Americans are implementing layoffs and staff reductions because of budget constraints, a survey conducted by LSC found

Back to top

Third year ASU law student will represent the Homeowner Advocacy Unit before the Arizona Supreme Court

A third-year law student at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law will argue a case before Arizona's highest court Tuesday, a university spokeswoman said.

Frank "Kyle" Robertson will appear before the Arizona Supreme Court representing the Homeowner Advocacy Unit at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Southern Arizona Legal Aid and Jean Braucher, a law professor at the University of Arizona.

The question before the Arizona Supreme Court is whether homeowners can challenge the authority of a lender or other foreclosing party to sell their house.

Back to top

Judge Learned Hand Awards Are Announced

The Arizona Region of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) will pay tribute to three outstanding legal professionals at its annual Judge Learned Hand Awards luncheon, on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.

Back to top

2011

For the Person who has Everything - Give the Gift of Justice

For the Person who has Everything - Give the Gift of Justice

If you're struggling to find a gift this season, why not donate to the Foundation or one of its grantees in a friend's name!  The Foundation will send a lovely card to the recipient acknowledging your gift in their honor.  donate online!

Back to top

Immigration, Justice and Music

Immigration, Justice and Music

This morning, representatives from the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project presented at the State Bar of Arizona on pro bono opportunities (I wrote about the event earlier this week). The comments were insightful, and speakers indicated that the need for legal representation is constant.

Back to top

President Obama Nominates Justice Andrew David Hurwitz to Serve on the United States Court of Appeals

President Obama Nominates Justice Andrew David Hurwitz to Serve on the United States Court of Appeals

President Obama said, “Justice Hurwitz has proven himself to be not only a first-rate legal mind but a faithful public servant.  It is with full confidence in his ability, integrity, and independence that I nominate him to the bench of the United States Court of Appeals.” Read more...

Back to top

Become a District Coordinator

Become a District Coordinator

Are you passionate about civic and law-related education and would like to share your passion, knowledge and experience with others?
Become an Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education District Coordinator!

Back to top

Register for LRE Academies today

 

November 2011
11/03
A Jury of Peers: An Introduction to the Teen Court Program
11/10 Campus Crime Watch: Incidents Affecting Youth on Campus

December 2011
12/02
We the People 101: The Citizen & the Constitution
12/05 Project Citizen 101: Children Creating Change

Janaury 2012 
01/09
Across All Lines: Teaching LRE in Special Education Classes 

01/19 It's My Right!...Isn't It?

Back to top

ACSS Conference October 28th

Arizona Council for the Social Studies will hold their annual conference October 28th.  Be sure to sign up now!

Back to top

Lillian Johnson a "Champion of Change" Awardee

Lillian Johnson a

Please join us in congratulating Lillian O. Johnson, Executive Director of Community Legal Services, on her selection as a White House “Champion of Change” as part of President Obama’s Winning the Future Initiative. Lillian will be honored in October at the White House during a series of special events and activities.

Lillian is being honored for her professional life-long dedication to closing the justice gap in America. She began her legal career as a Staff Attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation in Chicago after receiving her J.D. from University of Chicago. Lillian came to Community Legal Services in Arizona almost 30 years ago.

Back to top

Celebrate Arizona’s Centennial with CONNECTING WITH CLASSROOMS!

If you are a judge or attorney interested in sharing your expertise and knowledge of our legal system with Arizona classrooms or a teacher interested in coordinating a classroom visit from an Arizona attorney or judge please click on the link below for more information. Click here.

Back to top

Closing America's civic education deficit

Every morning at the beginning of class, students all over America stand and place their right hands over their hearts to give the Pledge of Allegiance. Sadly, for too many kids, this will be the limit of their civic education and engagement.

Read more...

Back to top

Live courtroom drama at Coronado High

Live courtroom drama at Coronado High

High school government teachers rarely get to bring first-hand experiences into the classroom. In history and government classes, most learning comes from books and lectures. Government can’t compete with frog dissections in biology or “controlled” explosions in chemistry.

Today at Coronado High School in the Scottsdale Unified District, the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One, will hear oral arguments in an actual case, Coleman v. City of Mesa, regarding the denial of a tattoo parlor for a business license. These are not actors. Real life lawyers from for the City of Mesa and from the Goldwater Institute will present their arguments.

Read more...

Back to top

National poverty rate hits 17-year high

WASHINGTON - The nation's poverty rate spiked to 15.1 percent in 2010, the highest level since 1993, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday, providing vivid new evidence about the country's inability to escape the lingering effects of the recession.

Back to top

DNA eyes possible budget cuts

In looking at the future of DNA-People's Legal Services, its director, Levon Henry, realizes that there may be hard times ahead.

You Can Make a Difference! Click here...

Back to top

For Justice Breyer, the Need for Civic Education Is as Clear as Blue and Red

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer says he has seen the evidence that America is becoming increasingly polarized, and it’s colored in red and blue.

Breyer tells of looking at two maps, one from 1976 and the other from 2011. Counties where elections were a “landslide” in favor of either Democrats or Republicans were colored either blue or red. In 1976, the map was mostly white. In 2011, it was mostly blue and red.

Read more...

Back to top

Attorneys Give Back With Lawyers on Call

In 2011, the State Bar continues its successful partnership with Phoenix’s12 News KPNX TV in broadcasting Lawyers On Call. 

 

When Is It On?

Lawyers on Call is offered on the first Tuesday of every month. Lawyers answer calls from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The number to call is 602.258.1212. (Attorneys will be available at that phone number only at that date and time; the number is not in service at other times.)

Back to top

Proposals an Important Step Toward Reservation Justice

Just more than a month after U.S. Attorney Dennis Burkere-asserted his position that prosecution on Indian land is a priority, we can see significant movement on the topic.

Back to top

Youth Summit Sept 23-24

Youth Summit Sept 23-24

This year's Youth Summit will be held in Willcox, Az starting at noon on Sept 23rd.  Check out the tentative schedule and sessions.

Back to top

Mock Trial 101: Educating Youth on the Judicial System (Elementary/Middle/High School) - August 25th

During this 1-day training, participants are provided a variety of easy-to-follow curricula to help instructors implement a successful Mock Trial Program.  The curriculum will enable students to understand the court system and increase their awareness of the importance of the law in a democratic society.  Participants will also learn the requirements of the Arizona and National Mock Trial competitions as well as techniques to prepare students for conducting a trial.

Back to top

Six months in, new judge enjoys serving the community

Six months in, new judge enjoys serving the community

BISBEE — For John Kelliher Jr., working as a judge instead of as a lawyer is a lot like learning new lines for a different character role, yet still acting in the same play.

That’s the metaphor I use,” said Kelliher, who is Division 2 judge for Cochise County Superior Court. Read More

Back to top

3rd ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY

3rd ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY

DNA People's Legal Services will be presented the Community Service Award at the  NATIVE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY

Location:
TALKING STICK RESORT, SALT RIVER PIMA MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY
Time: 6:00PM Saturday, September 24th

Back to top

I Got Schooled

I Got Schooled

What’s the best antidote to the slow stew you feel when your desk is overloaded and there’s no end in sight?
Get up from your desk, of course. Leave the office. And volunteer at an event hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. Read more...

Back to top

Stingray Sushi event aids Foundation

Stingray Sushi event aids Foundation

Join the Foundation at Stingray Sushi - 15037 N. Scottsdale Rd on Tuesday June 28th for a $10 sushi lunch.  Call 480-427-2011 to make your reservations.

Back to top

Housing Partner of the Year Award

Chrysalis constructed a 50-bed shelter in north-central Phoenix for women and children victims of domestic violence, allowing the shelter to serve an additional 180 women and children each year. Read more...

Back to top

A Convention’s Heart

A Convention’s Heart

Former Bar President Bob Schmitt speaks after receiving the Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award, June 16, 2011. Read more...

Back to top

Is Justice the Abuser?

Co-sponsored by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education and the Young Lawyers Division, the seminar was a look at immigration law on the ground. Read more...

Back to top

The Difference One Day Makes

The Difference One Day Makes

One Wednesday in April...
A six year old little girl woke up not knowing where she was going to live. Her mom was a victim of homicide and she never knew her dad.

A woman started her day knowing that she had to leave her marriage or the next time her husband's violence could end in her death.

A family of five received notice that they were losing their home to foreclosure.
Read more... and learn how you can help!

Back to top

Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education 2011 Award Winners

William E. Morris Pro Bono Service Award
Ben Smith

Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award
Robert Schmitt

Foundation for Justice Award
John Bouma

The Mark Santana Law-Related Education Award
Hon. Daniel Barker

John J. Ross Memorial Award for Excellence in Law-Related Education
Officer Shawn Benjamin
Canyon Del Oro High School
Pima County

Law Related Education Officer of the Year Award
2011 Award
Officer Brandon Clark
Show Low High School

Back to top

Foundatin Luncheon on June 16th honors 2011 Attorney Awardees

Foundatin Luncheon on June 16th honors 2011 Attorney Awardees

This year's luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 16th, 2011 from Noon-2pm at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson.

The recipients for this year are:

Walter E. Craig Award - Robert Schmitt

Mark Santana Award - Hon. Daniel A. Barker

Foundation for Justice Award - John Bouma

William E. Morris Award - Ben Smith

We will also be honoring the Top 50 Arizona Pro Bono Attorneys!

Back to top

Record Number of UA Law Students Selected for Program

A group of 11 UA law students have been selected to participate in the Equal Justice Works Summer Corps program.

Jillian Marini, a University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law student, has wanted to work for an office with a strong dedication to providing clients equal access to the justice system. Read more...

Back to top

Migrant workers from Yuma County settle lawsuit against Monsanto

Read what Pamela Bridge with Community Legal Services has to say...

Back to top

June 16th CLE - Is Justice the Abuser CLE

On June 16th in Conjunction with the State Bar Convention, the Foundation and Young Lawyers Division will be hosting a CLE from 8:50-Noon.  The CLE is an interactive seminar where panel members provide hypothetical cases so the audience can debate and decide if justice has become the abuser. To sign up visit the State Bar's website and sign up for T-15. This CLE has received the President's Award.

Back to top

National Mock Trial Championship a Success

National Mock Trial Championship a Success

The 2011 National Mock Trial Championship was hosted in Phoenix, Arizona May 4th - 8th.  This year the event broke the record with 48 teams participating!  Far more than have ever competed before.  Our international reach was also expanded as Australia was added to the list of competitors.

For a list of results click here to visit the National website.

Back to top

Bankruptcy 101 Educational Videos

The Bankruptcy 101 educational videos have been provided to you as a gift from the following organizations and individuals: The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation, The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, The Arizona State Bar Bankruptcy Section, read more...

Back to top

Law Day 2011 | Bringing iCivics to Life

Law Day 2011 | Bringing iCivics to Life

Welcome remarks to Law Day from Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch.

Click here to view the Video...

Back to top

2011National High School Mock Trial Championship May 4 — 8, 2011 Phoenix, Arizona

2011National High School Mock Trial Championship May 4 — 8, 2011 Phoenix, Arizona

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is proud to welcome students, teachers, attorneys, and judges from across the United States to the 28th Annual National High School Mock Trial Championship! This is the first time in 25 years the Grand Canyon State has hosted this great event, and it will once again be a wonderful chance for the students to show off their hard work.

Back to top

Mock trial team preparing for nationals

Mock trial team preparing for nationals

From May 5 to 7, they’ll represent California at the 28th annual National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.

Back to top

May 5th - May 7th National Mock Trial

48 schools from around the globe will be coming to Phoenix, Arizona to participate in the National Mock Trial competition.

Back to top

May 5th - Law Day, Bringing I-Civics to Life

The Arizona Supreme Court, The Arizona State Bar, and Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education celebrate 2011 Law Day with attorneys visiting classroom across Arizona and sharing the great resource of  http://www.icivics.org , an educational website developed by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (Ret.).

Back to top

Anne Ryan joins the National MLP Advisory Council

Anne Ryan joins the National MLP Advisory Council

We are happy to announce that Anne Ryan, Director of the Tucson Family Advocacy Program, has been selected to be a member of the National Medical Legal Partnership Network Advisory Council. This new advisory group will serve as a bridge between the National MLP Center, the growing MLP Network, and other stakeholders in the health and legal communities. Her appointment is due to her dedication and enthusiasm for MLP. We are very proud of her and congratulate her on this great accomplishment!

If you would like to learn more about the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership, please visit their website at http://www.medical-legalpartnership.org/.

Also, please visit http://www.fcm.arizona.edu/tfap to learn more about the Tucson Family Advocacy Program.

 

Back to top

New Help Available for Pro Per Appellants in Maricopa County By: Callie Parkinson, Esq.

Each year, the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One handles hundreds of civil and family law appeals filed by pro per litigants. Pro per appeals create unique challenges for the litigant and the court. The litigant is often at a disadvantage due to a lack of legal knowledge and experience. According to Chief Judge Ann A. Scott Timmer, “many pro per appellants are unfamiliar with the court’s rules so they miss deadlines or file briefs that do not comply with the rules. Most pro pers are unfamiliar with laws applicable to their appeals so they fail to adequately support arguments or miss them altogether. Some pro pers do not understand the court of appeals’ role and tend to view an appeal as a “do-over” rather than a review of the trial court’s rulings.” The court frequently expends additional resources to understand and respond to briefs filed by pro per litigants.... read more

Back to top

State Bar of Arizona and U of A establish Scholarship Memorial for Judge John Roll

Back to top

Southern Arizona Legal Aid shut down office in Santa Cruz County

By Manuel C. Coppola
Nogales International
Published Friday, January 7, 2011 9:43 AM CST

Between them, Alma Barajas and Patricia Peralta have invested nearly half a century in the Santa Cruz County office of the Southern Arizona Legal Aid program, or SALA. On Tuesday, they were told to pack it in and close the office effective immediately.

Read more...

Back to top

A Loss to Our Legal Community: Superior Court Judge Pendleton Gaines

A Loss to Our Legal Community: Superior Court Judge Pendleton Gaines

Superior Court Judge Pendleton Gaines, 66, passed away last night at St. Joseph’s Hospital following a valiant battle with cancer. During his 11 years on the bench, he was known for his integrity, wit and sense of humor.

Judge Gaines was assigned to the Criminal Department at the time of his death. During his tenure, he served in the family and civil court departments and as the Civil Department Associate Presiding Judge.

"He was an excellent and respected civil trial lawyer for more than 30 years before he became a judge," said Superior Court Presiding Judge Norman Davis. "He was hardworking and collaborative and well respected in the community. We have lost a great Judge, a charming and dignified professional, a wonderful person and dear friend.”

Back to top

2010

Wills for Heroes Volunteers Honored

Wills for Heroes Volunteers Honored

Eighteen of Arizona's lawyers received the President's Volunteer Service Award in a special presentation by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education and State Bar of Arizona on Dec. 9, 2010. The award was presented by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation,  " in recognition and appreciation of their commitment to strengthening our Nation and for making a difference through volunteer service."

Back to top

Have You Registered for an LRE Academy?

Well now is the time! The Academies provide new and experienced school resource officers, school probation officers, teachers and administrators LRE training and instruction that is not only research-based and proven effective, but qualifies for CEUs and COJET hours! Plus you will receive the needed materials to begin using in your classes right away!

Back to top

FREE Foundation Training at the State Capitol 10/28

FREE Foundation Training at the State Capitol 10/28

This training is designed to spark and invigorate a passion for the importance of active and informed citizenship. Through a variety of interactive teaching methods, participants will be able to educate their students on the vital relationship between government and the people it serves. Register Now!

Back to top

Kick Off Pro Bono Week with the Maricopa VLP

Kick Off Pro Bono Week with the Maricopa VLP
VLP is hosting an informal continental breakfast event on Tues. Oct. 26 between 7:30am and 9:00 am at Maricopa County Bar Association at 303 E Palm Lane to recognize National Celebrate Pro Bono Week.   Please RSVP to [email protected].

Back to top

Support Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc through GoodSearch

Support Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc through GoodSearch

Download GoodSearch's toolbar for your browser and help SALA raise funds!  The agency that has the most toolbar's downloaded by October 31st will win $15,000.  Just log on to the link and select Southern Arizona Legal Aid as your charity.

Back to top

Attention Music Teachers: Help the Superior Court Celebrate Arizona's Statehood

As it was done 100 years ago when Arizona became a state, the Maricopa Superior Court will have musical entertainment throughout the week of February 13 -17, 2012. If your school, has an orchestra, choral group or other musical ensemble that would like to perform at the Downtown Court Complex please contact Patricia Seguin at the Maricopa Superior Court or contact the Foundation at 602-340-7366.

Back to top

William E. Morris Fundraiser

Hanny’s Restaurant

40 North First Street, Phoenix

Thursday, September 30, 5 to 7 PM

Back to top

State Bar Celebrates 50th Anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird

Thursday, October 14th
 
Pollack Theaters
1825 E. Elliot road
Tempe, Arizona 85284

Back to top

Modest Means Attorney Signup Form

Modest Means Attorney Signup Form

Interested on becoming a Modest Means Attorney?
Click here to go to the form...

Back to top

Teen Courts: Register today for the 2010 Arizona Teen Court Youth Summit!

The Arizona Teen Court Association's 2010 Youth Summit is now open for registration! The Summit will take place at the Phoenix School of Law on September 24, 2010. Registrations are due by September 10--submit yours today!

Back to top

Wills for Heroes - Yuma Police and Fire Departments

October 30, 2010

Attorneys, notaries, law students and volunteer witnesses are encouraged to volunteer in helping to provide free estate planning legal services to first responder personnel in Arizona.  To sign up please visit http://az.willsforheroes.org !

Back to top

Wills for Heroes - Tucson Police and Fire Departments

October 16, 2010

Attorneys, notaries, law students and volunteer witnesses are encouraged to volunteer in helping to provide free estate planning legal services to first responder personnel in Arizona.  To sign up please visit http://az.willsforheroes.org !

Back to top

Wills for Heroes - Phoenix Fire Department

September 11, 2010

Attorneys, notaries, law students and volunteer witnesses are encouraged to volunteer in helping to provide free estate planning legal services to first responder personnel in Arizona.  To sign up please visit http://az.willsforheroes.org !

Back to top

Wills for Heroes Avondale & Tolleson First Responders

August 14, 2010

Attorneys, notaries, law students, and volunteer witnesses are encouraged to join us in  helping to provide free estate planning legal services to first responder personnel in Arizona.  Please visit http://az.willsforheroes.org to sign up!

Back to top

Arizona High School Mock Trial Regional Tournaments

March 12th, 2011

Back to top

Project Citizen District Showcase

March 4th, 2011

Back to top

We The People State Competition

January 12th, 2011

Back to top

We The People District Competitions

December 4th, 2010

Back to top

Court of Appeals Oral Argument

September 30th, 2010

Back to top

ROUND VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL FIRE DESTROYS OFFICER’S CIVIC BOOKS

[EAGAR, AZ] –Officer Robert Suggs had just been assigned as the School Resource Officer (SRO) to Round Valley High School when a small plane crashed into the high school destroying much of the school.

Included in the destruction was the office of Officer Suggs and law related education student resource materials.

Officer Suggs joined the Eager Police Department 9 months earlier, and when he heard that the previous Round Valley High School SRO had resigned he jumped at the opportunity “Being an SRO in Phoenix was my favorite position as an officer” stated Officer Bob Suggs, “I’m able to take what I learned in my masters program and apply it to my work as a police officer.”

Back to top

ABOTA's Justice for the People provides exciting new resources for teachers and students

ABOTA's Justice for the People provides exciting new resources for teachers and students

Justice by the People was created by the ABOTA Foundation in 1998 to give teachers an excellent tool to teach middle school students about the history, the language, the process and the value of trial by jury and the importance of jury service.

Back to top

Public Relations Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 7th at Noon: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education - Training Room

Back to top

Finance Committee Meeting

Friday, July 16th at Noon: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education - Training Room

Back to top

Executive Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 21st at 9AM: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education - Training Room

Back to top

Legal Services Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 21st at Noon: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education - Training Room

Back to top

2010-2011 Regional Coordinator Opportunity!

Are you passionate about civic and law-related education and would like to share your passion, knowledge and experience with others?

Become an Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Regional Coordinator! Submit your application today! Click here...

Back to top

Kids Voting Board Meeting

Wednesday, July 28th at 11:30AM: Teleconference

Back to top

19th annual Arizona Youth Leadership Conference

19th annual Arizona Youth Leadership Conference

The 19th annual Arizona Youth Leadership Conference took place July 6-10 at Arizona State University's West Campus. The conference, which is funded by the Foundation, was attended by 83 students, who are entering into their junior and senior years of high school. Sessions included a US Constitutional Convention simulation, US Supreme Court case simulation, debates over currently controversial constitution issues, leadership and free enterprise... among others. Students also selected an issue important to them and wrote a postcard to an elected government official who represents them.

Back to top

Foundation Board Meeting

Thursday, July 29th at 3PM: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education -Training Room

Back to top

Wills for Heroes Writes 95 Wills at Glendale Stadium Event!

Wills for Heroes Writes 95 Wills at Glendale Stadium Event!
Wills for Heroes partnered with the Glendale Cardinals Stadium on June 12th to serve 95 Glendale police, firefighters Federal Law Enforcement Officers, and their spouses. A dozen new attorney volunteers were trained to assist in will preparation. Learn more about WFH and volunteer for a future event.

Back to top

Foundation Honors Annual Awardees

Foundation Honors Annual Awardees

At the Foundation's annual luncheon on June 10th, six awardees were honored including the Supreme Court's Pro Bono award.  For the first time ever, the Foundation's Top 50 Pro Bono awardees were also recognized at the luncheon.  To read about all of the amazing awardees click the link above.

Back to top

Arizona Hosts National Mock Trial Championship in May 2011!

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is proud to welcome students, teachers, attorneys, and judges from across the United States to the 28th Annual National High School Mock Trial Championship! This is the first time in 25 years the Grand Canyon State has hosted this great event, and it will once again be a wonderful chance for the students to show off their hard work.

Back to top

ACDL Pro Bono Health Law Project CLE

This 3-credit CLE will provde an overview of the Arizona Medicaid program including covered services and due process rights.  The CLE will take place at the Foundation's training office from 2 - 5p.m.  A Tucson class is also availabe on 6/17
Download Document

Back to top

Foundation Annual Awards Luncheon

Foundation Annual Awards Luncheon
The Foundation's 2010 Awards Luncheon will be held during the State Bar's annual convention.  The event will be held at the Glendale Renaissance Hotel. The Keynote speaker for the luncheon will be Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch. Join us in honoring our Foundation awardees. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased from the State Bar.

Back to top

Summer Law Camp Open to Students

Summer Law Camp Open to Students

PHOENIX - The State Bar of Arizona seeks students to participate in Summer Law Camp on June 25 and 26. Students in grades 8 through 10 can take part in the free program that is in its second year. The bar, which is co-sponsoring the camp with the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education along with the Phoenix School of Law, encourages minority students to apply.

The camp will introduce students to careers in the legal profession. Participants will learn about the law, experience a mock trial and chat with law students and attorneys.

The camp will be held at Sunnyslope Apostolic Church, 9035 N. Eighth Street in Phoenix. Meals will be provided.

For more information or to register call Rosie Figueroa at (602) 340-7393. Applications must be received by June 11.

Back to top

Tucson Event for William E. Morris Institute for Justice

The Institute is celebrating its 14th year representing the interests of low-income Arizonans before administrative agencies, at the state legislature and in litigation.   The Event will be held at the Shanty on  4/23 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Back to top

ARIZONA OUT 4 Life Conference

ARIZONA OUT 4 Life Conference
April 26-28, 2010
Desert Willow Conference Center
4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ

Each year more than 20,000 inmates are released from Arizona’s prisons into communities throughout our state. More than 50% of them return to prison within three years. In order to make Arizona communities safer and reduce recidivism, it is essential that networks comprised of stakeholders across disciplines collaboratively identify the challenges and solutions for successful reentry. The Out 4 Life Reentry Conference, co-sponsored by Prison Fellowship and the Arizona Department of Corrections, will bring together key stakeholders to address practical barriers, identify opportunities, cultivate working relationships, and develop appropriate strategies for prisoners to successfully transition from incarceration into community. A combination of plenary sessions and workshops will cover topics such as public policy, housing and employment of ex-offenders, substance abuse treatment, coordination with probation and parole, unique needs of women prisoners, working with sex offenders, and best practices in prisoner reentry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, GO TO: WWW.OUT4LIFE.COM.

Back to top

Foundation Founding Fellow and Justice Hero Passes

Foundation Founding Fellow and Justice Hero Passes

Dan McAuliffe, Foundation Founding Fellow and 2005 Walter E. Craig recipient passed away Friday March 12th. While Dan was most broadly known for his service to the profession, he also served the public in the area of civil rights. He spent four years at the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., where he worked with issues of civil rights including school desegregation. He continued his commitment to public service through his work with the Human Relations Commission for the City of Phoenix. In 1992, when Arizona faced a vote on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Dan served as co-chair of Lawyers for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and as a volunteer for Victory Together, an organization that spearheaded the effort to have the MLK Holiday adopted in Arizona. Dan chose an unglamorous and low profile role, but with high importance to the campaign. In a similarly low key fashion, Dan assisted the least advantaged in our community through his pro bono services to those most in need. He expected great things of those around him and worked hard to help make such things happen.

Back to top

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO JOIN US IN THANKING IOLTA PARTNERING BANKS

Going Above and Beyond ~

Contributing 100% of Interest Earned to Arizona IOLTA Program!

Back to top

High School Students - Enter the 2010 Law Day Editorial Cartoon Contest and win a Wii System!

Who are the pirates of today? Some still roam the high seas. Others use the Internet to strike their victims. Piracy dates back to 1300 B.C. but continues today in many forms.

Use your wit and imagination to depict a pirate of the 21st century for this year’s Law Day Contest! Win some great prizes!

First place: Wii system
Second place: iPod touch
Third place: iPod shuffle

Each year on or about May 1, the State Bar of Arizona participates in Law Day, a nationally celebrated program sponsored by the American Bar Association. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the first Law Day to strengthen our country’s heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. Over the years, legal and civic organizations nationwide have used these general ideas to develop educational programs for the public.

This year the State Bar, the Superior Court in Maricopa County and the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education have partnered to sponsor an editorial cartoon contest on the theme, Modern Day Pirates: Piracy Laws & Issues in the 21st Century.

 

The contest is open to Arizona students enrolled in grades 9-12.
Cartoons may be submitted electronically to [email protected]
Or in printed format to:
State Bar of Arizona
Law Day Cartoon Contest
4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85016-6288

You can download the contest entry form and guidelines at www.azbar.org

Back to top

Nominations now being accepted for both LRE Teacher and Officer of the Year Awards!

Do you have an exceptional LRE Teacher or Officer? Hurry....the date for nominations ends March 31st!

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education invites you to recognize your outstanding Law Related Teacher and Officer. Each year the Foundation honors those who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the advancement of legal education. This award focuses on those individuals who have improved public awareness of law related topics, and in turn have strengthened the community that surround our Arizona schools.

John J. Ross Memorial Award for Excellence in Law-Related Education

Created through the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education to honor the memory of Mr. Ross, who was a senior partner in the law firm of Brown and Bain. Each year, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Center for Law-Related Education awards at least one $250 cash award for teacher excellence in law-related education.

The Law-Related Education Officer of the Year Award

Recognizes exceptional contributions of Arizona police and probation officers in furthering education and understanding of the role of the law in our democratic society. This award focuses public awareness on the contributions that officers provide to the community and Arizona schools.

If you have an exceptional LRE Officer or LRE Teacher, and would like to nominate them for their efforts please click on the “Awards” tab.

Back to top

Bar President Speaks of Becoming a Foundation Fellow

Bar President Speaks of Becoming a Foundation Fellow
In the March issue of the Arizona Attorney, the State Bar of Arizona’s Board of Governor President spoke about becoming a part of the Foundation.  “It is hard not to appreciate the value of the (Foundation’s) programs for the children and residents of the State of Arizona.  More importantly, becoming a part of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services  and Education will fulfill your commitment to access to justice, will make you feel better, and speaks loudly of your commitment to serving Arizona's most needy.” To become a Foundation Fellow contact Lara Slifko at 602-340-7235 or donate online!

Back to top

Public Relations Committee

Foundation's Public Relations Committee February 17th

Back to top

Great Loss to Justice Community- Elvera Anselmo

Elvera Anselmo passed away on February 7th.  Elvera was born in Chicago and lived in Phoenix for the last 23 years.  For several years after graduating from Blackburn College with a degree in Education, Ms. Anselmo traveled and worked around the world with the United Nations.  When she returned to the States she worked to protect women from violence and to provide housing to the homeless.  She lobbied both Arizona and Illinois legislators on behalf of low income people, provided training and continuing legal education, and worked to protect senior citizens against fraud and abuse at the Attorney General’s Office, governor's Advisory Council on Aging and AARP.

She was a courageous and dedicated fighter for equal justice for all, and will be very missed by the justice community as a whole.

 

Back to top

Tough Economic Times in Arizona

Tough Economic Times in Arizona

Foreclosures, bankruptcies and other financial problems are increasing but free assistance is available for many residents.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid and other non-profit organizations are seeing a huge increase in the number of people who need assistance with their finances including bankruptcies, foreclosures and other topics like credit card debt and better budgeting practices.

Experts say each case is unique but Belinda Castro exemplifies the confusion and frustration that many people are encountering. After buying her dream home six years ago, 2009 was a personal nightmare. Castro lost her sister, her job and was diagnosed with cancer. She couldn't make her mortgage payments temporarily so she asked if she could make those payments at the end of her mortgage as part of a loan modification. She thought she got it but was notified in December he property had been sold.

Castro is still trying to untangle the legal mess with assistance from SALA. Castro says she just wants to get back on track and be able to breathe. "I don’t want to hold my breath" she says, "I want my home back, I want my life back.”

Back to top

2010 We the People Summer Institute

The Arizona We the People summer institute is now accepting applications. This year's free institute will be held June 28 - July 2, 2010. For more information and to apply please click on the link below.

2010 We the People Summer Institute Application Form.

Back to top

Access to Justice Headlines

News at the Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives
Download Document

Back to top

The ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference

The Equal Justice Conference brings together all components of the legal community to discuss equal justice issues as they relate to the delivery of legal services to the poor and low-income individuals in need of legal assistance. The emphasis of this Conference is...
Learn more...

Back to top

"We the People" State Competition Results!

Congratulations to all the participating schools for a fantastic performance at the State Competition!

1st place--Corona del Sol High School (Team 7)

2nd place---Hamilton High School (Team 4)

3rd place---Dobson High School (Team 2)

4th place---Lake Havasu High School (Team 10)

------

Unit 1 Award--Prescott High School (Team 9)

Unit 2 Award--Higley High School (Team 1)

Unit 3 Award--Maricopa High Schoool (Team 6)

Unit 4 Award---Westwood High School (Team 8)

Unit 5 Award--Rio Rico High School (Team 5)

Unit 6 Award---Red Mountain High School (Team 3)

Back to top

2009

LRE Academy: Jury of Peers: Enhancing Arizona Teen Court Programs

LRE Academy presents...Jury of Peers: Enhancing Arizona Teen Court Programs

March 25, 2010

Register today!

Back to top

LRE Academy: Representative Democracy in America

LRE Academy presents...Representative Democracy in America

March 4th, 2010

Register today!

Back to top

LRE Academy: Embracing Diversity in Schools

LRE Academy presents...Embracing Diversity in Schools

February 24-25, 2010

Register today!

Back to top

LRE Academy: Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens

LRE Academy presents...Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens

February 4th, 2010

Register today!

Back to top

LRE Academy: Community Works: Building Teens Up & Breaking Down Youth Violence

LRE Academy presents...Community Works: Building Teens Up & Breaking Down Youth Violence

January 20-21, 2010

Register today!

Back to top

LRE Academy: Children Creating Change: Project Citizen 102

LRE Academy presents...Children Creating Change: Project Citizen 102

January 13, 2010

Register Today!

Back to top

LRE Academy: Getting High: The Dangers of Drugs & Alcohol

LRE Academy presents...Getting High: The Dangers of Drugs & Alcohol

January 12, 2010

Register Today!

Back to top

Project Citizen 2010 State Showcase!

Project Citizen 2010 State Showcase

May 7, 2010

Black Canyon Conference Center

Back to top

Arizona High School Mock Trial 2010 State Tournament!

Arizona High School Mock Trial State Tournament

March 27, 2010

Sandra Day O'Connor Federal Courthouse (Phoenix)

Back to top

We the People 2010 State Competition!

We the People State Competition

January 8, 2010

ASU West Campus

Back to top

Join us for a FREE Professional Development Event

 
Project Citizen: Promoting Competent and Responsible Participation in Local and State Government - December 2, 2009
Register Today!

 

Back to top

ACSS Board Meeting

The Arizona Council for Social Studies' board will meet at 6 pm at the Foundation's offices

Back to top

Foundation Board of Directors' Meeting

Foundation Board of Directors' Meeting 

Thursday, December 10th - 3PM-5PM

Back to top

Law Related Education Committee Meeting

Law Related Education Committee Meeting                                                           

Thursday, December 3rd at 3pm

Foundation Training Room

Back to top

Wills for Heroes has New Partner

Wills for Heroes has New Partner

Foundation proudly announces our latest partnership with the State Bar of Arizona, the Wills for Heroes program.  The partnership brings a new website:  http://az.willsforheroes.org/.

Back to top

Foundation Legal Service Committee Meeting

November 9th Noon - 1:00 Grant review

Back to top

Legal Service Conference - DV Statewide Project

Statewide Legal Service Conference held at Foundation Offices November 10th

Back to top

Kids Voting AZ Academy! Feb. 4th, 2010

Join us for a FREE professional development training for the very popular Kids Voting Arizona curriculum!

As a result of this training, participants will learn…

  • Strategies/Activities to engage students to be knowledgeable, active citizens.
  • Useful content that will guide students through the voting process.
  • Effective methods for developing informed citizens.

Back to top

Congratulations, Barb Dawson

Congratulations, Barb Dawson

The Foundation would like to congratulate Barb Dawson on her win for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce's Athena awards. The award honors Valley businesswomen for their "excellence in business and leadership, exemplary community service, and their support and mentorship of other women." Finalists are chosen not only for excelling in their careers, but for outstanding work in the community. Barb Dawson is a Foundation hero and we are happy she is being recognized by the community as a whole. Thank you, Barb!

Back to top

Arizona Attorney General's Office Issues Opinion on IOLTA Interest

Arizona Attorney General Opinion I09-005 concludes that, "under Arizona law, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education owns the entire beneficial interest in and has the exclusive right to the interest income generated, minus a reasonable service charge or fee, on trust accounts required to be established by attorneys pursuant to the provisions of the Arizona State Bar's Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts ("IOLTA") program, established by Rule 43 of the Rules of the Supreme Court." Read Opinion.

Back to top

Happy Birthday VAWA!

This month marks the 15th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA, under the Office on Violence Against Women, provides financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Legal service agencies across the country receive VAWA funding to help victims with their legal issues.

Back to top

Honoring Our Foundation Fellows - Mark Harrison

Like many of the founding fellows, Mark Harrison is an affable and successful member of Arizona's community of attorneys. A familiar theme resonates throughout each interview of a founding fellow: dedication to the practice of law through a commitment of volunteerism. This commitment is equally personally satisfying in that it lends itself in obtaining a gratifying and balanced law career. Read more.

Back to top

NEW IOLTA FDIC Insurance Coverage Notice

All financial institutions with FDIC coverage were automatically enrolled in the Transaction Account Guarantee Program of the TLGP for the period of October 14th through December 5, 2008. After that time, financial institutions could have elected to opt out of the program. Those that elected to opt out were required to post a notice to that effect in the lobby of their main and branch offices and on their websites. In addition, they are listed on the FDIC website as having opted out of the program. Financial institutions that elected to participate in the program were also to post a notice in their main and branch offices, as well as their website, indicating their participation.  These notice requirements were to be posted by December 19th. The TLGP is in effect until December 31, 2009, unless it is further extended by the FDIC. For the full text of the final rule, click here.

The FDIC has now posted the list of financial institutions that have opted out of the Transaction Account Guarantee Program of the TLGP.  To view the list, click here.

Back to top

Foundation wins 2009 Alfred Sloan Workplace Flexibility Award

 

The Foundation has been named a winner of the 2009 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility, distinguishing the Foundation as a leading practitioner of workplace flexibility and effectiveness in Arizona and across the nation.  The Foundation was recognized at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce on June 11th.
The Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility are part of the When Work Works project, an ongoing initiative of Families and Work Institute, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce (an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce), and the Twiga Foundation. Through When Work Works, these partner organizations provide research, resources, and recognition to employers nationwide, and share the results of research on creating effective and flexible workplaces that meet the needs of the 21st century.
 
Other award winners from Arizona include:
Arizona Weddings Magazine and Website; Autohaus Arizona, Inc.; BDO Seidman, LLP; Chandler-Gilbert Community College; Clifton Gunderson LLP; Conteras State Farm Agency, Inc.; Cosmopolitan Medical Communications; Custom Accounting & Tax PC; Deloitte LLP; Henry & Horne, LLP; Johnson Bank; Keats, Connelly and Associates; Intel Corporation; Metro Architecture LLC; Morrison & Associates CPAs PLLC; My Computer Works; Neonatology Assoicates, Ltd; Omega Legal Systems, Inc; Pima Council on Aging, Inc; RSM McGladrey, Inc.; Raytheon Missile Systems; Salt River Materials Group dba Phoenix Cement and Salt River; Western International University; Whitneybell Perry Inc; WorldatWork.

Back to top

Legal Help Websites in need of Volunteers

Every year, Flagstaff students and volunteer attorneys participate in Law Day, which raises awareness of the importance of our laws and our 3-branch government.

Back to top

Legal Help Websites in need of Volunteers

The Foundation's three legal help websites need volunteers to help research questions submitted to the website. AzLawHelp.org, LawforKids.org and LawforSeniors.org all provide a particular audience help with a variety of legal issues. Users may submit questions through the website which are then assigned to a volunteer attorney or law student (who's answers are then reviewed by an attorney). No legal advice may be given, but users will be provided with what the current laws are for their situation and what resources may be available. If you are interested in volunteering for the website or other Foundation activities, read more.

Back to top

2009 Court Artist Contest

State Winner & Region VII Winner—Linnea Paseiro—Northland Preparatory Academy
State Runner-Up and Region VI Winner—Julie Zhang—University High School
Region VII Runner-Up—Sage Nelson—Northland Preparatory Academy
Region VI Runner-Up—Ciera Miller—Tanque Verde High School

Back to top

2009 Arizona State High School Mock Trial Winners

Arizona State High School Mock Trial Tournament Winners
1st Place - University Team 1
2nd Place - Xavier Team 4
3rd Place - University Team 3
4th Place - Xavier Team 1

Outstanding Student ($500 AADC Scholarship Winner)
Will Hawkins - Blue Ridge 
Honorable Mention Outstanding Students ($250 AADC Scholarship Winners)
David Berens - University Team 1
Shane Arlington - Northland Prep. Team 1

All State Mock Trial Team
Shane Arlington - Northland Prep. Team 1
David Berens - University Team 1
Kristie Gallardo - University Team 2
Will Hawkins - Blue Ridge 
Sara McCabe - Xavier Team 1
Mari Carmen Perez-Vargas - Xavier Team 2
Danny Wilson - Brophy

Back to top

Foundations of Justices CLE series

Learn the legal foundations for Family Law Housing Wills & Trusts Bankruptcy and Consumer Law as well as how to be a Modest Means attorney

Contact the State Bar’s CLE department or 602-340-7262 for more information

Back to top

We the People State Competition Winners Announced

Winners of the January 9th We the People State Championship:

1st Place - Corona Del Sol - Tempe (AE)

2nd Place - Dobson High School - Mesa (BG)

3rd Place - Hamilton High School - Gilbert (AG)

4th Place - Prescott High School (BY)

Back to top

2008

$1.3 Mil Grant Given For Inmate DNA Tests

The Attorney General's Office as well as other state and federal agencies announced on Thursday that $1.3 million has been given through a grant for DNA testing that could overturn convictions of innocent inmates.

Representatives from the Attorney General's Office, Arizona Justice Project and the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission are administering the project, which was funded by the National Institute of Justice, an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice.

"There is a common interest in the application of justice that all of us in the criminal-justice system share," Attorney General Terry Goddard said. "We have no interest whatsoever - as a prosecutor I can say this affirmatively - in convicting someone who is innocent and sending them to prison."

Under the grant program, only inmates who were convicted of murder, forcible rape or non-negligent manslaughter could seek assistance. Cases where DNA evidence could conclusively prove a person's guilt or innocence would then be considered.

The first step should weed out a significant number of applicants, said Larry Hammond with the Arizona Justice Project, which is a non-profit organization housed by Arizona State University's College of Law. If further questioning is necessary, then the Arizona Justice Project will follow up by reviewing the case.

Hammond speculated that many of the cases accepted to the program would be those before Short Tandem Repeat DNA testing was introduced beginning in the late 1990s. Short Tandem Repeat DNA testing is a highly reliable way to test small samples of DNA.

However, Hammond stated that there have been a number of cases in recent years that "amazed" him when it came to a lack of in-depth DNA examination.

Most of the $1.3 million grant would be spent on screening out candidates, Hammond said. The fund will seek to help not only inmates, but county attorney's offices that may have difficulty getting access to the resources to conduct DNA testing for trials.

Back to top

Attorneys Need to Take Extra Care in Watching Client Trust Accounts

With the precarious economy and the number of financial institutions either failing (such as IndyMac Bank) or being taken over by other institutions (such as Washington Mutual), lawyers who have client trust accounts should be thinking about the safety of those accounts.

Actually, lawyers with client trust accounts should be thinking about the safety of the accounts – property that belongs to clients and others -- all the time, not just in a financial crisis and not just to comply with the specific requirements of Rules 43 and 44, Ariz.R.Sup.Ct.

Back to top

Hotline Is A Victim Of Budget Cuts

Back to top

Register Now For Kids Voting Awareness Sessions

Kids Voting Arizona is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots-driven voter education program.  We, as an organization are committed to creating lifelong voting habits in children and increase adult voter turnout.

The Foundation is offering Awareness sessions for Kids Voting which will begin this fall! Participants will be engaged in lively, interactive trainings that will prepare them to introduce new and exciting lessons into their classroom (click here to register and/or see our Kids Voting Awareness Session Calendar).

Back to top

Fake Check Scams are Targeting Law Practices!!! Learn the Red Flags and Avoid the Traps!!!

By Gloria Barr, Trust Account Auditor/Investigator, and Patricia Sallen, Ethics Counsel, State Bar of Arizona

 

Out of the blue, you receive an email from the representative of a potential foreign client, maybe from China. He flatteringly tells you – in pretty decent English -- that he is looking for a trustworthy attorney in Arizona to help his company with a collections issue. You – you! -- are the trustworthy attorney he has found. Your charge: you would receive money from a debtor and then transfer it to the potential foreign client. You might even be paid with a percentage of the money.

Sounds promising, right? Some easy money? And tempting, because who knows where this one job for an international client might lead? (Read more)

Back to top

CSI: Arizona a Success!

On May 16th, 2008 ten schools from across Arizona competed in the 3rd annual "CSI: Arizona" Forensic Science Competition. Approximately 230 students participating in the competition used skills they learned in their forensics science class in school to investigate mock crime-scenes. The students also use real-life CSI skills such as collecting and analyzing evidence and interviewing witnesses and suspects to try and solve the case.

The ten schools are divided between high school and middle schools. This year's high school state champions are North Canyon High School and the middle school state champions are Desert Sands Middle School.

Congratulations to all who participated in this successful event (click here for a list of this year's participants)

Back to top

Project Citizen Showcase Winners

On Friday May 2nd, 2008, nearly 200 students presented their solutions to problems they are currently facing in their communities. These issues  ranged from Animal Testing to Teen Homelessness. 

Community leaders listened to the students’ presentations and helped them better understand the democratic process of change.

The topic of the winning portfolio was "Solar Energy", Heather Matchett's 5th grade class from Lineweaver Elementary School in Tucson. Their portfolio will be judged again later this summer in New Orleans.

The topic of the winning oral hearing was "Grafitti in America", Sandra Suarez-Hairgrove's class from Valencia Middle School in Tucson.

Congratulations to all participants! (Learn more about Project Citizen).

Back to top

ARIZONA STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS: Arizona Supreme Court Justices Recognize Essay Winners on Law Day

On May 1st, the Arizona Supreme Court celebrated Law Day by recognizing students from Arizona high schools for their essay submissions on the topic “How Should the Courts Uphold the Rule of Law?” Joined by their parents and teachers, the top three winners from participating counties in Arizona received special recognition from Arizona Supreme Court Justices during a luncheon held in their honor. Top essay winners from each county were announced at the luncheon and received a $250 scholarship from the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education.
 
“I look forward to celebrating Law Day by discussing the issue of how courts should uphold the rule of law with thoughtful high school students from throughout the state. From what I have read of their essays, the future of the court system will be in very good hands.” said Chief Justice Ruth McGregor, who spent the afternoon discussing the essay contest topic with the winners.
 
The 2008 Law Day Essay Contest received 90 submissions from schools throughout Arizona. Winners of the 2008 Law Day Essay Contest are:
 
Amalia Skilton
Tempe Preparatory Academy
Maricopa County
Britanie Ames
Benson High School
Cochise County
Christian Ortega
Sunnyside High School
Pima County
Cory Stevens
Cibola High School
Yuma County
Danielle Font
Rio Rico High School
Santa Cruz County
Gus Peru
Sunnyside High School
Pima County
Heather Singell
Benson High School
Cochise County
Jessica Edmiston
Benson High School
Cochise County
Kamber Turley
Winslow High School
Navajo County
Pedro Espitia
Sunnyside High School
Pima County
Rebecca Pearce
Show Low High School
Navajo County
Robert Nejbauer
Dobson High School
Maricopa County
Sinead Steverson
South Mountain High School
Maricopa County
 
The Law Day Essay Contest was open to all Arizona 10th through 12th grade high school students. Essay submissions were required to be 1,000 words or less and were judged by a volunteer panel of civic leaders.
 
The Supreme Court  also recognized middle school winners from the Maricopa County Bar Association middle school Law Day Essay Contest at the luncheon.
 
About Law Day:
In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1st Law Day to strengthen our nation’s great heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. Each year since, the American Bar Association, with help from local courts, bar associations and legal charities, has promoted events across the nation to celebrate Law Day.  The Arizona Foundation for Legal Service & Education’s Law Day Essay Scholarship Contest is sponsored by the Arizona Supreme Court and Maricopa County Bar.
 
About the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education:
The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education provides technical and financial assistance to legal aid organizations, schools and community groups working toward “access to justice for all Arizonans” through law-related education and free legal services.
 
For more information:
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education: www.azflse.org
Arizona Supreme Court: www.supreme.state.az.us
Law Day: www.lawday.org
Maricopa County Bar Association: www.maricopabar.org
 

Download Document

Back to top

Foundation Video Premiere at 2008 State Bar Convention Annual Luncheon

 The Foundation will celebrate its 30th anniversary at the State Bar Convention this June.  On June 19th, join the Foundation at their annual luncheon where they will premiere Three decades of caring and the next 30 years.  The video, directed by Scott Johnson and Insight Design, showcases some of the Foundation’s grantees and programs – those in the trenches who are directly providing access to justice to all Arizonans.  For information on how to attend the Foundation luncheon and reception… Click Here!

Back to top

University High School to Compete at Mock Trial Nationals

On Saturday April 5th, sixteen teams competed in the Annual State Mock Trial Competition. This year's case, about civil rights, involved the Plaintiff seeking injunctive relief for the alleged violation of their right to freedom of religion.

The Foundation congratulates University High School on winning the state tournament this year. These students will represent the state of Arizona in Delaware for the National Mock Trial Tournament in May.

Thank you to all who volunteered their time to make this an amazing event.

(to see the list of schools who participated in the state competition, click here).

Back to top

Foundation Gives Out Over $2 Million to Legal Aid Grantees

In 2008, the Foundation awarded over 2 million to legal aid grantees across the state of Arizona.  This was an increase of over $750,000 from 2007.  Agencies apply in late October and grants are awarded starting in January.  Each agency serves those most in need with legal issues including child custody, diability benefits, domestic violence, and immigration.  For a list of 2008 grantees or how to apply... Read More

Back to top

Now Registering for We The People Summer Institute

A free professional development opportunity is available to all Arizona educators!  Anyone working to educate youth on civic education is invited to participate in an interactive program that will guide students to the path of positive citizenship.  Registration is due April 14th. For more information CLICK HERE!

Other Upcoming Events

  • April 7-18, 2008 – Project Citizen Portfolio Display
  • May 2, 2008 – Project Citizen State Showcase
  • May 16, 2008 – CSI Arizona State Competition
  • June 9-13, 2008 - We the People Summer Institute
  • July 12-18, 2008 - Project Citizen Summer Institute
  • Back to top

    Law Day Brings Another Essay Contest!

    The topic of the Third Annual Law Day Scholarship Essay Contest is "How should the courts uphold the rule of law?".  Winners from each county will receive a $250 scholarship, and all schools with at least one entry in the contest will receive a $50 stipend for supplies! Read More!

    Back to top

    Schools to Compete in CSI State Competition

    The Foundation is excited to host our 3rd Annual Middle/High School CSI Arizona State Competition on May 16, 2008. Over 30 teams participated in this year's CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario, with the hope of competing in the State Competition. The following schools to advance to the state competition in May are: Barry Goldwater High School, Canyon del Oro High School, North High School, North Canyon High School, Centennial Jr. High School, Crane Middle School, Desert Sands Middle School, and Woodard Jr. High (Click here to learn more about CSI Arizona).

    Back to top

    Printing Request for Proposals (Due 3/6)

    The Foundation seeks a printer to produce up to 150,000 copies of our “When You Turn 18” brochure that will be distributed to Arizona High School seniors and the general public in May of 2008.  Specifications and a production timeline are included in the full request for proposals. The Foundation is an AA/EOE employer - minority and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to apply.
    Download Document

    Back to top

    State Legal Gap Study Complete - Clear Need Identified for Increased Resources

    The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education retained Fieldwork Quant Group in Chicago, Illinois to conduct the study identifying legal needs gap in services for Arizonans. With a 95% confidence level, the State study reveals that 32% of Arizonans had a civil legal need in the last 12 months and over half of those with household incomes under $47K stated they could not afford the private representation needed. Over 80% of Arizonans didn't know where to find legal aid assistance. The study outlines the legal need issues, the areas of the state with the greatest needs and those sub-populations who are most likely to go without a voice  in our justice system.

    To obtain a copy of this report, please contact Kay Lapid at [email protected], or (602) 340-7260.

    Back to top

    Arizona Lawyers Helping Homeowners

    The Lawyers Helping Homeowners program calls upon volunteer lawyers to assist homeowners in working with their lenders to find appropriate financial arrangements to avoid foreclosure. Keeping people in their homes helps stabilize the economy and increase family security. This initiative, coordinated by the State Bar of Arizona, the Arizona Foundation for Law Related Education, and the Arizona Supreme Court, will not save all homes from foreclosure, but will offer hope and opportunity to many who might otherwise have none (read more). 

    Back to top

    LRE Lending Library

    The new LRE Resource Library has recently acquired hundreds of new items for its collection.   Many new videos, stories and curricula for use in the classroom are now available in a range of Law Related Education topics.  All Arizona educators, including teachers, parents, Juvenile Justice representatives and attorneys are invited to borrow materials online, or visit us at 4201 N. 24th St. #210 in Phoenix.

    Back to top

    We the People State Competition Results

    First Place - Dobson High School

    Second Place - Hamilton High School

    Third Place - Corona del Sol High School

    Fourth Place - Mountain Ridge High School

    Back to top

    2007

    LRE Lending Library Reopens December 1st

    LRE Lending Library Reopens December 1st

    The LRE Resource Library is set to reopen on December 1st, and has recently acquired hundreds of new items for its stacks.Many new videos, stories and curricula for use in the classroom are now available in a range of Law Related Education topics. All Arizona educators, including teachers, parents, Juvenile Justice representatives and attorneys are invited to borrow materials online, or visit us at 4201 N. 24th St. #210 in Phoenix.

    Back to top

    Arizona Hosts National Legal Aid & Defenders Association Conference

    The impact of the conference is best expressed by a letter the Foundation received from one of the attendees-    "Thank you for the scholarship to the NLADA conference in Tucson.  I particularly enjoyed the keynote speaker, Dr. Zah of the Navajo Nation.  Have you ever heard him speak? Although the audience was quite large, he was like a storyteller in a small intimate environment. And his story is fascinating and sad as well. As the year comes to an end, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the financial assistance for this conference as well as the other opportunities funded by the Foundation.  My ability to serve others through my position at Arizona Women's Education and Employment and previously as a law and social studies teacher is greatly enhanced by your support. Have a happy holiday season! "      -Margi Breidenbach

    See NLADA website for conference summary

     

    Back to top

    Domestic Violence Shelters, Legal Service Providers Seek to Close Funding Gap

    Last year 19 legal lay advocates and 20 attorneys, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in 28 cities here in Arizona provided help to nearly 1,600 victims of domestic violence with legal problems. This year those victims may not have those dedicated providers to assist them. Recently, the Foundation, who administers the grant and distributes it to domestic violence shelters and legal aid agencies across the state, was informed that they would not receive the DOJ funding of $391,000.

    Back to top

    Grant Applications Now Available!

    The Foundation is now accepting applications for LRE, Legal Services, and Loan Repayment Assistance Program grants. Applications are due November 2nd!

    Back to top

    Foundation President Receives Gavel

    Foundation President Receives Gavel

    The Foundation's President Joe Kreamer became a judge on Friday, September 14th as he was sworn in to the Maricopa County Superior Court. Before his appointment by Governor Janet Napolitano, Judge Kreamer was a trial lawyer specializing in personal injury and commercial litigation cases.

    Back to top

    LRE Academy Now Enrolling!

    The first Law Related Education Academy of this academic year will take place Sept. 11th! There are over 29 acadmies offered for officers and teachers, but spots will fill up quickly so register today!

    Back to top

    Input Needed on Curriculum for Tribal Law

    The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is in great need of your input! Please take a few minutes to complete a very important survey about the development of a tribal law curriculum for Arizona public schools. To take the survey, please click here. The survey will be closed on September 7th!

    Back to top

    Foundation Calendar!

    • September 26, 2008 - Foundation's 30th Anniversary!
    • September 27, 2008 - National Kids Voting Day
    • November 4, 2008 - Kids Voting AZ General Election
    • December 6, 2008 - We the People Regional Competition
    • January 9th, 2009 - We the People State Competition
    • March 6, 2009 - Project Citizen District Showcase
    • March 7, 2009 - Mock Trial Regional Tournament
    • March 28th, 2009 - Mock Trial State Tournament
    • April 13-24, 2009 - Project Citizen State Level Portfolio Judging
    • May 8, 2009 - Project Citizen State Showcase

    Back to top

    Nominate an Officer Today for the LRE Officer of the Year Award!

    This award recognizes the exceptional contributions by police and probation officers in the advancement of law related education at schools around the state. One award is given to an outstanding officer each year. Of special emphasis is the demonstration of leadership that extends beyond the classroom and into the law enforcement community and the community at large

    Back to top

    Foundation and Kids Voting Arizona Offer Grants to Arizona Tribal Communities for Collaboration on Kids Voting Curriculum

    In support of Native American Right to Vote Day on July 15, the Foundation and Kids Voting Arizona are offering grants to Arizona tribal communities to help ensure the continuation of a strong Native American voter turnout through voter education opportunities aimed at children in grades K-12.
     
    It was almost sixty years ago, on June 15, 1948, when the Arizona Supreme Court issued an opinion stating, “To deny the right to vote, when one is legally entitled to do so, is to do violence to the principles of freedom and equality.” This declaration authored by Justice Udall, overruled a previous Arizona court decision denying Native Americans the right to vote in Arizona.

    Download Document

    Back to top

    August 15th Deadline for Legal Aid Attorney Loan Repayment Program

    August 15th Deadline for Legal Aid Attorney Loan Repayment Program

    ASU and U of A alumni who are currently legal aide attorneys are eligible for this program in honor of Joyce Holsey, who silently dedicated her life to giving thousands of others a voice and equal access to our justice system.

    Back to top

    Over 50 teachers trained at LRE Summer Institutes this summer

    Over 50 teachers trained at LRE Summer Institutes this summer

    Summer may be time off for some teachers but there were more than 50 educators that were back at 'school' and this time as the student. Their committment to their students led them to give up a week of their summer vacation to learn more about two law-related education programs: We The People and Project Citizen.

    Back to top

    RFP for 2007-2008 Academy Trainings

    The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education will host approximately 30 trainings (from August 1, 2007 - April 31, 2008) which will introduce Arizona educators to a variety of law-related education curricula aligned to Arizona State Academic Standards. Depending on the subject of each training, they may last 1-3 days. Arizona teachers, administrators, school resource officers, school probation officers and community resource people are eligible to attend each training.
    Interested parties may download the Facility Request for Proposal here:
    pdf RFP for 2007-2008 Academy Trainings.

    Back to top

    New opening at the Foundation

    We are seeking an individual to fill a Website & Database Developer position. If you are a team player who is looking for a career with a company that values the balance between work and life, look no further! To apply, please fax a cover letter and resume to 602-416-7435, or send a message to Lara Slifko.

    Back to top

    Awardees to receive honors at 2007 SBA Convention Luncheon

    Awardees to receive honors at 2007 SBA Convention Luncheon

        Join us in congratulating William Haug our 2007 Walter E. Craig Distinguished Services recipient and Cary Inabinet our William E. Morris Pro Bono Service recipient, during the Awards Luncheon at the 2007 SBA Convention. Keith Perkins, the recipient for the Foundation for Justice award, will be honored during the reception.

    Back to top

    The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute

    The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute

        The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute will be hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education July 6-13th, 2007, in Prescott, AZ, at Yavapai Community College. Professor Joe Stewart, from South Carolina, will be the institute scholar. The institute is designed for middle and high school educators and will provide professional development for 31 participants and serve 9 states.

    Back to top


    CSI Arizona

    2010

    CSI Students Show Off Their Skills

    Seventh-grade students at Clarkdale-Jerome School became Crime Scene Investigators Monday. They investigated a mock homicide in the school gymnasium.

    Check it out here! http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=35387

    Back to top

    2009

    North Canyon High to host Forensic CSI Challenge

    The North Canyon High School Forensic Club in partnership with the Paradise Valley School District and Phoenix Police Department, with support from the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, will be hosting their first Forensic “CSI” Challenge.

    The challenge will be limited to the first 10 teams that submit their letter of intent to NCHS by December, 1st 2009.

    The challenge will be held April 16-17, 2010 at North Canyon High School.

    Visit http:cmweb.pvschools.net/~chuffman for more information!

    Back to top

    Congratulations to the Top 10 Teams that completed the 2009 CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario!

     

     

     

    High Schools

     

    Canyon del Oro High School Team #2

    Canyon del Oro High School Team #1

    Canyon del Oro High School Team #5

    Chino Valley High School Team #2

    Mountain View High School

    Barry Goldwater High School

     

    Centennial Middle School

    Desert Sands Middle School Team #5

    Desert Sands Middle School Team #6

    Crane Middle School

    Middle Schools

    Back to top

    2009 Qualification Scenario now available!

    The Qualification Scenario is now available to teams registered for the 2009 program.  Please go to the download center and you will find the Qualification Scenario and a corresponding diagram.  If you haven't already registered your team, please visit the website, www.azflse.org/csiarizona, click on login (or "Become a Memer" if you haven't previosly logged on) and then click on the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario event.  Good luck!!!

    Back to top

    2008

    Qualification Scenerio Has Been Posted

    The 2009 Qualification Scenerio has been posted and distributed to CSI Arizona Members.  CLICK HERE to download the Scenerio.  You must register your team by December 19th to participate, but the Qualification Scenerio Reports are due February 2nd, 2009.

    Back to top

    Registration is Due January 2nd for Qualification Scenerio!

    Registration is now available online for the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario. Paper applications and rosters will not be accepted, so keep in mind that any recognition given to your students will be printed exactly as you type them in the registration form.

    To register, simply LOGIN and click on the qualification scenario event, and then follow the instructions from there. If you have forgotten your user name and password, contact Hayley Ivins and it will be sent to you. If you do not have a user name and password BECOME A MEMBER.

    Back to top

    2008 CSI: Arizona State Champions

    Congraulations to all the schools who participated in the CSI: Arizona 2008 State Competition on Friday May 16th, 2008!

    Middle School Teams

    Desert Sands Middle School

    Centennial Middle School

    Crane Middle School

    Woodard Jr. High School

    High School Teams

    Barry Goldwater High School

    North Canyon High School

    North High School

    Canyon del Oro High School

     2008 High School Champions :

    North Canyon High School

    2008 Middle School Champions:

    Desert Sands Middle School

    Keep up the good work detectives!!

    Back to top

    Schools Participating in 2008 State Competition

    The Top 5 Middle School Teams invited to participate in our State Competition on May 16th are...
    Centennial Middle School
    Crane Middle School
    Desert Sands Middle School – Team 1
    Desert Sands Middle School- Team 2
    Woodard Jr. High
     
    The Top 5 High School Teams invited to participate in our State Competition on May 16th are...
    Barry Goldwater High School
    Canyon Del Oro High School- Team 4
    Canyon Del Oro High School- Team 6
    North High School
    North Canyon High School- Team Olive

    Back to top

    2007

    Qualification Scenario Has Been Posted!

    The 2008 Qualification Scenario has been posted and distributed to CSI Arizona Members. CLICK HERE to download the Scenario. You must register your team by December 21st to participate, but the Qualification Scenario Reports are due February 2nd, 2008

    Back to top

    Registration is Due December 21st for Qualification Scenario!

    Registration is now available online for the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario. Paper applications and rosters will not be accepted, so keep in mind that your student's certificates will be printed exactly as you type them in.

    To register, simply LOGIN and click on the qualification scenario event, and then follow the instructions from there. If you have forgotten your user name and password, contact Amy Koenig and it will be sent to you. If you do not have a user name and password BECOME A MEMBER.

    Back to top


    Mock Trial

    2015

    Teams Invited to State Mock Trial Tournament!

    These 16 mock trial teams, out of the 55 teams who competed in the regional tournaments in Flagstaff, Phoenix and Tucson, have been invited to the Arizona High School State Mock Trial Tournament on March 28th at the Federal Courthouse. The winner of the state tournament will represent Arizona in Raleigh, NC May 14-17 at the National High School Mock Trial Competition.

    • Arizona School for the Arts – Team XPA – Teacher Bailey Williams, Phoenix
    • Arizona School for the Arts – Team HIL
    • BASIS Flagstaff – Team OTA – Teacher Corey Hartman, Flagstaff
    • BASIS Flagstaff – Team FED
    • BASIS Peoria – Team ZEK – Teacher Lee Tran, Peoria
    • BASIS Peoria – Team PEJ
    • Brophy College Preparatory – Team OLW – Teacher Jessica Mason, Phoenix
    • Brophy College Preparatory – Team RUK
    • Gregory School – Team CKS – Teacher Daniel Young, Tucson
    • Northland Preparatory – Team GFT – Teacher Wesley Baron, Flagstaff
    • University High School – Team IBV – Teacher Kerry Montano, Tucson
    • University High School – Team ETL
    • Westwood High School – Team VAY – Teacher Robert Guyton, Mesa
    • Xavier College Preparatory – Team MNA – Teacher John Cosden, Phoenix
    • Xavier College Preparatory – Team ARO
    • Xavier College Preparatory – Team HAU

    Back to top

    2014

    2014-15 Mock Trial Tournament Dates

    Mark your calendars and register for this year's Mock Trial Regional Tournament on March 7, 2015.  Tournaments will be held around the state.

    The top 16 teams will be invited to the State Mock Trial Tournament to be held March 28, 2015 at the Federal Courthouse in Phoenix.

    Back to top

    Mock Trial State 2014

    On behalf of the Arizona Foundation For Legal Services & Education and the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Arizona, congratulations to the following teams.

    1st place University High Team 4

    2nd place Brophy Team 3

    3rd place St. Gregory

    4th place Xavier Team 2

    All State Team:

    Mateusz Bendisz – Brophy Team 3

    Alexis Carter – South Mountain (& $500 Scholarship Winner)

    Rodrigo de la Torre – University Team 3 (& $200 Scholarship Winner)

    Markaya Hill – South Mountain

    Meghan Marner – Tanque Verde (& $300 Scholarship Winner)

    Lee McMahon – Xavier Team 2

    Grant Ross – St. Gregory

    Logan Spahr – South Mountain

    Justice Ryan Award – Stephanie Liu

    A huge congratulations to all the teams that participating in state finals. A brilliant group of our next leaders!

    Arizona School for the Arts Team 3

    BASIS Flagstaff Team 1

    Brophy Team 2

    Brophy Team 3

    Desert Mountain Team 1

    Lake Havasu Team 1

    Mountain Ridge

    Northland Prep. Academy

    South Mountain Team 1

    St. Gregory Team 1

    Tanque Verde Team 1

    University High School Team 2

    University High School Team 3

    Xavier Team 2

    Xavier Team 3

    Xavier Team 4

    Back to top

    2013

    New Arizona High School Mock Trial State Champion!

    The 2013 Arizona High School Mock Trial State Champion is Mountain Ridge High School.  After participating in 4 rounds and a finals round against Xavier College Preparatory, before 7 judges, Mountain Ridge was awarded First Place Saturday night, March 23rd, at the Sandra Day O'Connor Federal Courthouse.  Second Place was awarded to Xavier (Phoenix), Third Place to Arizona School for the Arts (Phoenix), and 4th Place to University High School. (Tucson).  The All State Team members were:

    Heidi Artigue (Chaparral) Who also won a $500 scholarship from the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel

    Alexis Carter (South Mountain) Who also won a $300 scholarship from the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel

    Madison Dodge (University) Who also won a $200 scholarship from the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel

    Sarah Molinaro (Mountain Ridge)

    Margo Evilsizor (Arizona School for the Arts)

    Victoria Wisthoff (Xavier)

    Jay Lusk (BASIS Flagstaff)

    The winner of the Justice Ryan Special Award of Merit was Valerie DeLuca from Mountain Ridge.

    Congratulations to all the students, teachers, and attorney coaches.  You make Arizona proud!!!

    Back to top

    2010

    Mock Trial Alumni--Join our Facebook page!

    Become a "Fan" of the Arizona High School Mock Trial Program and stay in the know about upcoming opportunities and news!

    Back to top

    2007

    Announcing the National Mock Trial Practicum Web Site!

    The National High School Mock Trial Championship Board in partnership with Great River Technologies presents the NATIONAL MOCK TRIAL PRACTICUM WEBSITE

    This valuable tool enhances the mock trial experience for students, teachers, and coaches.This dynamic website includes interactive exercises that allow students to test their knowledge of the trial process. It demonstrates opening statements, closing arguments, direct examinations, cross examinations, and much more. The site also includes flash cards, video clips, drag and drop exercises, and a discussion forum for students and coaches.

    COST: $100 per team (up to 8 students) $10 per each additional team member

    For questions concerning the website or for a demo, please contact: Stacy Beyer, Acquisitions Manager

    Great River Technologies
    Office: (563) 589-1270
    Cell: (563) 581-4597
    To place an order for the new NATIONAL MOCK TRIAL PRACTICUM WEBSITE, please email [email protected]

     

    Back to top


    Project Citizen

    2015

    Congratulations Project Citizen State Showcase Winners!

    What do Air Pollution, Food Dyes, Street Lighting, School Lunches, and State Parks all have in common? They were this year's Project Citizen problems with public policy solutions presented to judges at the 2015 State Showcase! Here is the amazing work done by the teams:

     

    Lineweaver Elementary School was also recognized by judges for their electronic portfolio which will be sent to California to be judged this July at the National Showcase. Each member of the team received a medal for their superior work. Franklin Phonetic Primary School was awarded a $250 Amazon gift card and the students were each awarded a Target gift card for receiving the most "popular votes" for this year's first on-line contest. Thank you to all the classes for their part in working to make a difference in their Arizona communities!!!

    Back to top

    2014

    Project Citizen Regional Showcase

    This year brings a new format for the Project Citizen Regional Showcase. Teachers will be asked to submit both an electronic portfolio and a video of their oral presentation. Please consider using YouTube for your video and sending a link to both YouTube and your electronic portfolio to  [email protected].    For technical assistance with your oral hearing, please contact Jody Arnold at [email protected], and for technology technical assistance with your electronic portfolio, please contact Mark McCall at [email protected] 

    We cncourage the oral presentation to be done in front of an actual panel, either of judges or the members of the governing agency their policy impacts. These will be judged and the top 10 will advance on to our state showcase.  This year's state showcase will be held on May 8, 2015 at Grand Canyon University.

    In addition, all submissions will be posted on LawForKids.org and the Foundation will host a popular vote contest, with prizes being given to those with the highest popular vote.

    Register your team at www.azflse.org/pcitizen and submit your electronic portfolios and video by March 27th.

    Congratulations to Tucson's Lineweaver Elementary for receiving a Superior Award at the National Showcase held in California in August. Click here to see their award winning portfolio on E-Cigarettes and Tobacco Laws.  Click here to see Prescott's Franklin Phonetics School's  Exceptional portfolio on a Trauma Center.  Click to see Mesa's Smith Jr. High's Exceptional portfolios - Cyberbullying, Texting and Driving, Child Poverty and Dropout Rates.

    Back to top

    2011

    Congratulations!

    Congratulations to Lineweaver Elementary School for receiving a "Superior" award at this year's National Portfolio judging event in California for their project on Childhood Obesity.  You made Arizona proud!

    Back to top

    2011-12 District Level Showcase

    The 2011-12 Project Citizen District Level Showcases will be held on March 9, 2012.  Please register your class to partipate in this wonderful opportunity to showcase your student's achievements!  Portfolios will be displayed and judged at Phoenix City Hall from April 9 - April 20, 2012.  At this time, due to loss of funding, a state level showcase is pending.  Good luck!

    Back to top

    2010

    Film Your Project Citizen Issue - An Online Video Competition!

    Project Citizen is proof that young people can offer fresh and innovative perspectives on problem-solving in their communities.  

    The Center for Civic Education invites Project Citizen students to participate in Film Your Issue—an online video competition that highlights solutions proposed by young people to contemporary problems. The Center’s Project Citizen program is collaborating with the What’s Your Issue Foundation and its Film Your Issue program to take youth civic engagement online.   

    Young adults from ages 14 to 24 are invited to produce and upload a three-minute video and a one-page text describing a problem in their community and their proposed solution to that problem. The problem should be related to one of the following “front-burner” issues: the environment, the economic recession, education, health and healthcare, human rights, equal rights, national security and defense, poverty, public service, and technology.  

    The deadline for submissions is April 19, 2010, with winners announced in May. Winning submissions to the Film Your Issue competition will be presented to senior officials of President Barack Obama’s administration, highlighted on the What’s Your Issue iTunes Channel, and presented at an awards ceremony co-hosted by Sony Pictures in Los Angeles. Winners will be featured at the Center for Civic Education’s National Project Citizen Showcase at the Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures.  

    Find more info here: http://www.civiced.org/index.php?page=film_your_pc

    Back to top

    Project Citizen students making a difference!

    Check out this article on www.azcentral.com to learn about Project Citizen students from Mesa's Rhodes Jr. High!

    http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/2010/03/01/20100301students-against-mesa-plastic-bags.html

    Back to top

    2009

    Project Citizen Wins

    Arizona's Project Citizen Program was recently honored by the Arizona Capitol Times for its efforts in public policy education! Many thanks to the network of students, teachers, Regional Coordinators that have helped to make the program a sucess in Arizona.

    This awards program was created in 2007 to recognize the contributions of policy professionals across the state. It is a salute to those who advance public policy by implementing and championing creative strategies to positively impact the state and the lives of Arizonans, without regard to partisanship or political affiliation.

    For more information: http://azcapitoltimes.com/blog/2009/09/25/meet-the-2009-leaders-of-the-year/

    Back to top

    “PROJECT CITIZEN” SHOWS OUR FUTURE IS IN GOOD HANDS

    “PROJECT CITIZEN” SHOWS OUR FUTURE IS IN GOOD HANDS
    Both Trinity Lutheran School and Lineweaver Elementary School Recognized
     
    [Phoenix, AZ] –On Friday May 8th, over 200 students from across Arizona presented their public policy work at the statewide Project Citizen Showcase. The presentations had issues ranging from the environment to animal cruelty. The students presented portfolios displaying a summary of their project and student teams gave oral presentations in support of their public policy ideas before panels of volunteer judges. While not identified as a competition, two schools were recognized for their achievements in portfolio display and oral presentation of their project before judges. In recognition of their achievements with the Project Citizen program the following schools were awarded top honors:
     
    Project Citizen Statewide Showcase Award for Oral Hearings
    Trinity Lutheran School
    “Is Plastic that Fantastic?”
    Lori Stadler, Teacher
     
    Project Citizen Statewide Showcase Award for Portfolio
    Lineweaver Elementary School
    “Convenience Catastrophe: Plastic Bag Pollution”
    Heather Matchett, Teacher
     
    The over 50 judges at the Project Citizen Showcase, representing civic and community leaders, listened to the students’ presentations and provided feedback to help them better understand the democratic process of change. One judge, Marga Warnicke, a doctoral student at ASU’s Public Administration School noted, “I was excited by how what these young students were doing mirrored what I was learning as a doctoral student.”
     
    “Project Citizen really highlights these young students’ ability to think critically, clearly articulate their ideas, and engage in their local communities,” stated Hayley Ivins, Program Specialist for the Foundation. “The problems they choose to tackle are quite remarkable – everything from domestic violence and animal cruelty to pollution and crosswalks for their school.”  Other schools and their portfolios included:
     
    Parkview Middle School (Prescott Valley)
    “Be Safe, Put a Crosswalk in Place”
    Glassford Hill Middle School (Prescott Valley)
    “Gang Tagging”
    Landmark Middle School (Glendale)
    “Stop the Violence”
    Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (Mesa)
    “Animal Shelters”
    Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (Mesa)
    “Teenage Drug Use in Phoenix”
    Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (Mesa)
    “Criminal Relocation”
    Rhodes Junior High School (Mesa)
    “Domestic Violence”
    Rhodes Junior High School (Mesa)
    “African Hunger Donation Drive”
     
    About Project Citizen:  Project Citizen is portfolio-based civic education project for middle grade students sponsored nationally by the Center for Civic Education (CCE) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). It is supported locally by the Arizona Legislature and the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. The program teaches young people to monitor and influence public policy. Students work cooperatively to identify a public problem in their community. They then research the problem, evaluate alternative solutions, develop their own solution in the form of a public policy, and create a political action plan to enlist local or state authorities to adopt their proposed policy. Participants develop a portfolio of their work and present their project in an oral hearing before a panel of civic-minded community volunteers.
     
    About the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education
    The Foundation provides technical and financial assistance to legal aid organizations, schools and community groups working toward “access to justice for all Arizonans” through law-related education and free legal services. The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education plays a leading role in preparing Arizona students for civic responsibility. The Foundation reaches more than 100,000 children each year by training teachers, school resource officers and probation officers about our laws, justice system and the foundations of democracy. It is also home of LawForKids.org, America’s first Web site dedicated to teaching students about the law.
     
     
    Helpful Websites/More Information:
    ·       Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education: http://www.azflse.org
    ·       Arizona Project Citizen: http://www.azflse.org/pcitizen
    ·       Arizona State Legislature: http://www.azleg.state.az.us
    ·       Center for Civic Education (CCE): http://www.civiced.org
    ·       National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL): http://www.ncsl.org/
     
     
     
     
    - ### -
     

    Back to top

    2008

    Project Citizen District Registration Now Open!!

    Project Citizen teachers!!!

    You can now register your classes for the Project Citizen District Showcase which will be held on March 6th, 2009. But hurry up!!!! The registration deadline is November 7, 2008 (click here to login and register your class).

    Back to top

    Lineweaver Elementary School Won Top Portfolio Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

    Topic: “Solar Energy”
    Teacher - Heather Matchett

    Back to top

    Valencia Middle School Won Top Oral Hearing Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

    Topic: “Graffiti in America”
    Teacher - Sandra Suarez-Hairgrove
     

    Back to top

    Schools to Participate in Project Citizen 2008 State Showcase

    The following schools will be showcasing their skills on Public Policy at the Black Canyon Conference Center on Friday May 2nd, 2008.

    Holy Angels School- "Regulating Second-hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles"

    Holy Angels School- "No Pain, No Gain!"

    Landmark Middle School- "Animal Testing"

    Lineweaver Elementary School- "Solar Energy"

    Lineweaver Elementary School- "Animal Safety"

    Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies- "School Service"

    Parkview Middle School- "Speeding"

    Rhodes Jr. High School- "The Green Revolution"

    Rhodes Jr. High School- "Helping the Homeless"

    Valencia Middle School- "Graffiti in America"

    Westwind Academy- "Teen Homeless"

    Congratulations and best of luck to you all!

    Back to top

    2007

    Showcase Dates Have Been Announced!

    Project Citizen District showcases will take place on March 6th and 7th at their respective District locations. Check back for locations and dates for your district in October.

    Registration will begin January 1st and close February 22nd.

    The State Showcase will be held May 2nd, 2008 at the Black Canyon Conference Center.

    Contact your District Coordinators for assistance and guidance leading up to the District Competition.

    Back to top

    LRE Grant Available!

    You can apply for an LRE grant to assist with expenses relating to your school's Project Citizen Program! The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education promotes access to justice for all Arizonans.The Foundation works to level the playing field, so that all in Arizona have knowledge and access to the justice system. The Granting Program for Law-Related Education supports and enhances educational efforts that prepare youth for the office of citizen.

    Click Here to see the grants page!
    Grant applications due by November 2nd!

    Back to top

    The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute

    The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute

    The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute will be hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education July 6-13th, 2007, in Prescott, AZ, at Yavapai Community College. Professor Joe Stewart, from South Carolina, will be the institute scholar. The institute is designed for middle and high school educators and will provide professional development for 31 participants and serve 9 states.

    Back to top

    Mogollon Jr. High School Won Top Oral Hearing Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

    Mogollon Jr. High School Won Top Oral Hearing Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

    Topic: School Vandalism

    Teacher: Jim Maner

    Back to top

    Westwind Academy Will Send Their Winning Portfolio to National Showcase

    Westwind Academy Will Send Their Winning Portfolio to National Showcase

    Topic: Tagging and Graffiti

    Teacher: Carrie Algozzini

    Their Portfolio will be judged again in August at the National Conference of State Legislators in Boston, Mass.

    Other teams who attended the State Showcase were:
    • Mogollon Jr. High School, Jim Maner: Payson –Heber Overgaard School District Final Exam Policy
    • Holy Angels School, Leonard Leverance: Globe- School Walkways
    • Westwind Academy, Carrie Algozzini: Phoenix – Teen Suicide
    • Landmark Middle School, George Colebrook: Glendale – Teenage Activities
    • Shepherd Junior High School, Libby Hammond: Mesa – Hygiene Kits for the Homeless
    • Rhodes Junior High School, Jeff Anderson: Mesa- Stopping Illegal Immigration into Arizona
    • Rhodes Junior High School, Jeff Anderson: Mesa- Reducing Illegal Drug Use in the East Valley
    • Underdown Junior High School, Mark McCall: Cashion-Elder Abuse & Neglect in Nursing Homes
    • Underdown Junior High School, Mark McCall: Cashion – Improving Police Department Response Times

    The Project Citizen Showcase would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. Many thanks go to the following, who gave their time for these students: Kim James, Cheri Bludau, Colleen McManus, Dulce Encinas, Rebecca Lauchner, Manoj Vyas, Brendan Moroney, Lori Rodriguez, Theresa Ramsey, Johnetta Dorsey, Heather Matchett, John Contreras, Candace Odenwald, Jan Lundgren, Kevin Brungardt, Dewain Fox, Javan Mesnard, Rebecca Truxel, Gary Odenwald, Kathleen Lundgren, Brian Lockery, Danielle Reiger, Jody Arnold, Paul Bergelin

    Back to top

    The 2007 District Project Citizen Showcase Registration is now underway!

    Click here to see the date of your district showcase. Registration is due February 21st, 2007

    Your students have done the work- now give them the opportunity to shine! This exciting event gives students the benefit of interacting with other classes who have had the same experience in their communities. They will also improve their presentation skills and boost their confidence by presenting their project to interested community members and getting encouraging feedback. Travel assistance and lunch for everyone is provided, and each student will receive a certificate for their accomplishment. Participation is free!

    Please follow these easy steps to register your class(es) on-line
    Paper registration is no longer available

    • If you have never participated in a showcase, first, "Become a member".
    • Fill out the electronic form and click submit
    • An e-mail with your username and password will be sent to you within a few days. Once you have received your username and password, please proceed with the instructions provided below. Your confirmation will include information on which Congressional District Level Showcase your school will be assigned to.
    • For those with a username and password, "login".
    • If you don't remember your username, contact Amy Koenig and it will be e-mailed to you
    • Make sure that your personal information is correct and click "submit".
    • On your member page, click "upcoming events registration", and then click the appropriate event for your congressional district.
    • Fill out the information to register your team(s), and send in the school responsibility form

    If you have any questions about registration or need technical assistance, please contact [email protected] or 602-340-7357

    Back to top

    2006

    Welcome to the Arizona We the People.Project Citizen website. The goal of this web site is to provide teachers and students with information that will help them with the Project Citizen program.

    Project Citizen is a portfolio based civic education program for grades 5-9. It helps teachers and students understand public policy and use this information to create change in their community thereby empowering them and their teachers. Click here to read Project Citizen historical information, advisory committee members, supporting organizations and past state champions.

    • Is interdisciplinary
    • Is based on cooperative learning
    • Is an excellent model for performance assessment
    • Is an excellent method for implementing project based learning
    • Focuses on state and local government
    • Applies student learning to real public policy issues that concern them Develops participatory skills

    ...see sample portfolios and more »»

    Back to top

    Coronado K-8 School (Tucson) honored as overall State Champions & Capps Middle School (Heber) honored as top scoring portfolio. Both to represent Arizona at the National Showcase!

    Ten teams participated at the state showcase May 11th, at the Black Canyon Conference Centerin Phoenix. Those teams invited were 2 teams from Rhodes Jr. High(Mesa), 3 teams from Capps Middle School(Heber), 2 teams from Parkview Middle School(Prescott), Palo Verde Middle School(Phoenix),Coronado K-8 (Tucson), and Madison #1 Middle School(Phoenix). Each team presented during 2 rounds to a panel of judges consisting of teachers, lawyers, judges, probation officers, and community members. Coronado K-8 School and Capps Middle School (Dress Code)received Superior awards, Capps(Keep It Clean), Madison #1, and the 2 teams from Rhodes Jr. High received Exceptional awards, and Palo Verde Middle School, Capps (Bullying), and the 2 teams from Parkview Middle School received Outstanding awards. Both Coronado K-8 and Capps Middle School (Dress Code) will have their portfolios sent to Seattle in August to be judged nationally during the National Conference of State Legislatures. Congratulations to all the students....you're all winners to us!

    Back to top

    Legislature Back To School Program!

    The Foundation and the Center for Civic Education encourages you to involve your school in the seventh annual America's Legislators Back to School Program . The program will kick off the third week of September and, for the first time, run throughout the school year giving legislators and teachers more flexibility in scheduling classroom visits.

    The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) sponsors this program that provides resources such as legislative staff to help coordinate visits of legislators, and lesson plans to help teachers prepare for the legislator's visit. NCSL is the Center's partner in We the People: Project Citizen and the Trust for Representative Democracy.

    Here is a link to the Frequently Asked Questions from NCSL's website. For more information go to http://www.ncsl.org/public/backsch.htm.

    Teachers who have participated in the past have said it was a good experience for Project Citizen and We the People teachers and students; an excellent opportunity to increase legislator's awareness of the programs.

    Back to top

    For those with a login and password

    • Click on "Teacher login" under "Register On Line"
    • Click on "Personalized Teacher Page" under "Register On Line"
    • Click on "Project Citizen Program" under "Upcoming Events Registration Form"
    • Fill out the information to register your team(s)

    If you have any questions, please contact Amy Koenig at [email protected] or 602-340-7357

    Your confirmation will include information on which Congressional District Level Showcase your school will be assigned to.

    We look forward to your participation!

    Back to top

    For new participants

    • Click on "Register On-line" on the left hand side of the page
    • Click on the link "submit your information" located in the first paragraph
    • An e-mail with your login and password will be sent to you. Once you have received your login and password, please proceed with the instructions provided below.

    Back to top

    Mesa's Rhodes Jr. High and Prescott Valley's Park View Middle School Selected as 2006 Arizona Project Citizen Champs

    A nation-wide civic education program, We the People: Project Citizen, is conducted locally by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. It leads students through the public policy-making process and lets students experience the Office of Citizen first-hand. Project Citizen calls on students to solve a problem in their community, big or small, from bullying to traffic. Project Citizen teaches students to honor civic duty and become active members of our community.

    Students in Project Citizen classes begin by identify a problem in their community. Next, they research the problem contacting other communities with similar problems to find out what policies were in place to correct them. They then create a policy they feel will solve the problem. And finally they present their research findings as well as their suggested policy and implementation plan both through a static display portfolio and orally to a panel of community leaders.

    Project Citizen Oral Hearing State Showcase Champions
    Rhodes Jr. High - Mesa - Extra Curricular Activities

    Teacher - Terri Welsh

    Project Citizen Portfolio State Showcase Champions
    Park View Middle School - Prescott Valley - Hwy 69 "Blood Alley"

    Teacher - Becky Fitch
    (Their portfolio will be judged again at the 2006 National Conference of State Legislatures in Memphis, TN in August)

    Superior

    • Holy Angels 6th Grade - Globe - topic: Recycling - Teacher: Len Leverance
    • Capps Middle School - Heber - topic: Smoking - Teacher: Stacey Frazier
    • Rhodes Jr. High - Mesa - Swimming Safety - Teacher: Terri Welsh
    • Rhodes Jr. High - Mesa - Mesa Money Matters - Teacher: Terri Welsh

    Exceptional

    • Westwind Academy - Phoenix - topic: Declining Health of Students - Teacher: Tim Lewis
    • Holy Angels 5th Grade - Globe - topic: Recycling - Teacher: Len Leverance
    • Palo Verde Middle School - Phoenix - Prop 200 - Teacher: Rich Curtain

    Outstanding

    • Palo Verde Middle School - Phoenix - Wire Tapping - Teacher: Rich Curtain

    Back to top


    We the People

    2014

    2014-15 We The People State Hearing Questions are here!

    The questions will be available in the Download center at www.azflse.org/wethepeople.

    REMINDER:  One of the state questions will be asked at the District Level Competition and the remaining two will be asked at the State Competition.

    Good luck!

    Back to top

    2014-15 We The People Competitions

    Mark your calendar and register your teams for this year's We The People competitions/showcases!

    The regional competitions/showcases (locations TBD) will be held on December 6, 2014 and ten high school teams and middle school showcase teams, will be invited to the state competition on January 17, 2015 at Grand Canyon University.

    Back to top

    2013-2014 State Competition Results

    1st Place Team #2 Corona del Sol
    2nd Place Team #9 Marcos de Niza
    3rd Place Team #3 Hamilton
    4th Place Team #10 Skyline
    Unit 1 Team #7 Lake Havasu – Gold
    Unit 2 Team #1 Prescott
    Unit 3 Team #5 Dobson
    Unit 4 Team #8 Gilbert Classical Academy
    Unit 5 Team #4 Lake Havasu - Purple
    Unit 6 Team #6 Higley
    Showcase Schools
    Challenger Middle School
    Capps Middle School

    Back to top

    2012

    Corona del Sol Students Chosen to Sing National Anthem

    Congratulations to Robert Choueiri, Sharae DeWitt, Alexandra Karn, Michael Kim, and Steven Womer for being chosen to sing the national anthem at the 25th Anniversary of the National We The People Competition.  You sang beautifully!!!!!

    Back to top

    2011-2012 State Competition Results

    Corona del Sol 1st Place Winner
    Hamilton 2nd Place Winner
    Skyline 3rd Place Winner
    Prescott 4th Place Winner
    Lake Havasu Unit 1 Winner
    Marcos de Niza Unit 2 Winner
    Red Mountain Unit 3 Winner
    Maricopa Unit 4 Winner
    Gilbert Classical Academy Unit 5 Winner
    Rio Rico Unit 6 Winner

    Back to top

    2011

    2011-12 Hearing Questions

    The 2011-12 We The People Citizen & The Constitution hearing questions are now available at new.civiced.org/wtp-the-program/hearings/hearing-questions.  Remember, Arizona does not use the District level Questions.  One State Hearing Question will be used at the District Competitions on December 3rd,  and the other two questions will be used at the State Competition, if it is held depending on current planning.   Good luck!

    Back to top

    2010-11 State Competition Results!

    First Place: Hamilton Team 4
    Second Place: Corona del Sol Team 7
    Third Place: Marcos de Niza Team 2
    Fourth Place: Lake Havasu Team 10
    Unit 1 Award: Prescott Team 9
    Unit 2 Award: Gilbert Classical Team 1
    Unit 3 Award: Skyline Team 8
    Unit 4 Award: Maricopa Team 6
    Unit 5 Award: Rio Rico Team 5
    Unit 6 Award: Red Mountain Team 3

    Back to top

    2010

    2010 We the People Summer Institute

    The Arizona We the People summer institute is now accepting applications. This year's free institute will be held June 28 - July 2, 2010.   For more information and to apply please click on the link below.
     
    http://www.azflse.org/azflse/professional_development/lawrelated/wtpsummerinstitute.cfm

    Back to top

    09-10 WTP State Competition Results!

    Congratulations to all the participating schools for a fantastic performance at the State Competition!

    1st place--Corona del Sol High School (Team 7)

    2nd place---Hamilton High School (Team 4)

    3rd place---Dobson High School (Team 2)

    4th place---Lake Havasu High School (Team 10)

    ------

    Unit 1 Award--Prescott High School (Team 9)

    Unit 2 Award--Higley High School (Team 1)

    Unit 3 Award--Maricopa High Schoool (Team 6)

    Unit 4 Award---Westwood High School (Team 8)

    Unit 5 Award--Rio Rico High School (Team 5)

    Unit 6 Award---Red Mountain High School (Team 3)

    Back to top

    2009

    TEMPE AREA SCHOOL REPRESENTS ARIZONA IN NATIONAL COMPETITION Corona Del Sol Students Recognized with Top Honors at “We The People” Competition

    [PHOENIX, AZ] On April 25-27, students from Corona del Sol High School in Tempe represented Arizona in Washington, DC at the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals.They placed 12th nationally and won the Region One award for the Western Region of the United States.More than 1,200 high school students from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participated in this highly prestigious academic competition that tested students’ knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. Corona won the opportunity to represent Arizona through a challenging statewide competition sponsored by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education and the Center for Civic Education.

    The first two rounds of the national finals were held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, on April 25th and 26th. The annual competition challenges high school civics and government classes with making presentations and answering complicated Constitutional questions before a panel of judges who are national experts from across the country. These experts include Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders who act as Congressional Committee members while evaluating student responses. On Monday April 27th the winning classes received awards during a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham in Washington D.C.

    Students representing Corona del Sol High School are: Eric McKay, Hannah Augee, Ahmed Aboul-Nasr, Vishal Maini, Jocelyn Hu, Derek Huang, Kaitlyn Beaudet, Alex Nunez, Christine Dyster, Shelly Jackson, Zeyang Yu, Jake Yocham, Smitha Ramakrishna, Molly Yang, Rachel Kultala, Elizabeth Lee, Seth Garrison, Katherine Cai, Pankti Shah, Mike Swindle, Wyatt Larkin, Lizzie Shafer, Abby Henderson, Hari Menon, Paul Gu, Siddesh Gopal, Vincent Park, Grace Do, Pooja Rajguru.

    Coach: Tim Smith

    Back to top

    Winners of the 2009 We the People State Competition Announced

    Winners of the January 9th We the People State Championship:

    1st Place - Corona Del Sol - Tempe (AE)

    2nd Place - Dobson High School - Mesa (BG)

    3rd Place - Hamilton High School - Gilbert (AG)

    4th Place - Prescott High School (BY)

    Back to top

    2008

    2009 Summer Institute

    Please click here for details about the 2009 We The People Summer Institute

    Back to top

    TOP ARIZONA SCHOOLS TO COMPETE IN “WE THE PEOPLE” STATE TOURNAMENT

    Top Arizona Schools to Compete in “We the People” State Tournament
     
    What:              The “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” annual state Competition is a simulated hearing to demonstrate student’s knowledge and application of the US constitution and Bill of rights. The winner will advance to the national competition in Arlington, VA in April, 2009.
     
    When:              Friday, Jan 9, 2009
    Opening Ceremony 8 a.m.
    Rounds Begin 8:35 a.m.
    Awards Ceremony 5:15 p.m.
     
    Where:      Arizona State University West Campus
                            4701 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale, AZ
     
    Who:               Judges, legislative members, and members of the educational & legal community will judge the competition, which is sponsored and administered by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, the Arizona Supreme Court and the Center for Civic Education.
         State Finalists and Coaches:
    • Prescott High School – Prescott – Marc Goligoski
    • Lake Havasu High School – Lake Havasu – Jamie Festa-Daigle
    • Corona del Sol – Tempe – Tim Smith
    • Dobson High School – Mesa – Shannon Sweat
    • Mountain Pointe – Phoenix – K.R. Scott
    • Hamilton High School – Chandler – Abby Dupke
    • Higley High School – Higley – Patrick Farrlley
    • Skyline High School – Mesa – Jill Benza
    • Rio Rico High School – Rio Rico – Kent Barter
    • Maricopa High School – Maricopa – Bernadette Russoniello
         The following teams will be showcasing their learning, but not competing:
    • Mogollon Jr. High  – Heber – Jim Maner
    • Glassford Hill Middle School – Prescott Valley – Sandra Clark
    • Desert Sands Middle School- Phoenix- Duane Phifer
    • La Cima Middle School- Tucson- Dennis Ritchie
    • Valley Vista High School – Surprise – Tammy Waller
    CONGRATULATIONS to the following teams who also competed at the District Level Competition on December 6th!!
    • Chino Valley High School – Chino Valley – Mark Parmeter
    • Tri-City Prep. High School – Prescott –  Wendy Tollefsen
    • Mohave High School – Bullhead City – Craig Evins
    • Valley Christian High School – Chandler – Gail Haase
    • Westwood High School – Mesa – Debra Fischer
    • Chandler High School – Chandler – Larry Hansen
    • Mesa High School – Mesa – Theresa Ratti
    • Red Mountain High School – Mesa – Jaime Leverington

    Back to top

    We the People District Registration Now Open

    We the People teachers!!!

    You can now register your classes for the We the People District Competition which will be held on December 6th, 2008. But hurry up!!!! The registration deadline is October 31st, 2008.  Please sign in by clicking on the "Sign In/Login" link on the left-hand side of this screen.  If you are already logged in, click on the "My AZFLSE" link to begin registering.

    Back to top

    New We the People Companion Website Launched

    The Center for Civic Education is proud to announce the launch of their new We the People Companion website! The website is designed to be used alongside the new We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution Level 3 text for high school students.

    The We the People companion website contains the following features:

    • An overview of the student edition, the preface, and the introduction
    • The full text of all unit and lesson purposes
    • Each term and concept to understand with definitions
    • The complete glossary
    • Brief biographies of each Founder and Framer mentioned in the student text
    • Links to Supreme Court syllabi and opinions for each case described in the student edition
    • Links to the full text of primary sources mentioned in the text
    • Annotated bibliographies for each unit
    • Links to specially selected websites that illuminate concepts mentioned in the student text
    • Links to videos and podcasts related to the content of the student text

    In addition, the unit and lesson purposes and terms are printable, downloadable and can be listened to in MP3 format (click here to check out the website).

    Back to top

    Now Registering for We The People Summer Institute

    A free professional development opportunity is available to all Arizona educators!  Anyone working to educate youth on civic education is invited to participate in an interactive program that will guide students to the path of positive citizenship.  Registration is due April 14th. For more information CLICK HERE!

    Back to top

    We the People State Competition Results

    First Place - Dobson High School

    Second Place - Hamilton High School

    Third Place - Corona del Sol High School

    Fourth Place - Mountain Ridge High School

    Back to top

    2007

    Teams to Compete at State Have Been Announced!

    Congratulations to all the schools that participated in the district competition on December 8th, and thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible! The following teams will be moving forward to the state competition on January 11th, 2008:

    Prescott High School

    Lake Havasu High School

    Mountain Ridge High School

    Corona del Sol High School

    Dobson High School

    Hamilton High School

    Chandler High School Team B

    Maricopa High School

    Desert View Team 1

    Rio Rico High School

    Back to top

    Competition Dates Have Been Announced!

    We the People District Competitions will take place on December 8, 2007 at their respective District locations. Contact your District Coordinators for locations, assistance and guidance leading up to the District Competition.

    Registration has already begun and is due November 1st.

    The State Competition will be held January 11th, 2008 at Chandler Gilbert Community College.

    Back to top

    We The People Registration Is Now Free!

    For the 2007-2008 school year, We The People teams will be able to register for the competitions for free due to the generous support of the Arizona State Supreme Court. School responsibility forms and up-to-date rosters will still be required for registration

    Back to top

    LRE Grant Available!

    You can apply for an LRE grant to assist with expenses relating to your school's We The People Program! The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education promotes access to justice for all Arizonans. The Foundation works to level the playing field, so that all in Arizona have knowledge and access to the justice system. The Granting Program for Law-Related Education supports and enhances educational efforts that prepare youth for the office of citizen.

    Click Here to see the grants page!
    Grant applications due by November 2nd!

    Back to top

    We The People Summer Institute A Success!

    We The People Summer Institute A Success!

    Summer may be time off for some teachers but there were more than 50 educators that were back at 'school' and this time as the student. Their committment to their students led them to give up a week of their summer vacation to learn more about the We The People Program. The We The People Summer Institute in June at Yavapai College in Prescott, offered the teachers an opportunity to hear presentations from national civic education leaders, Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales, and other local experts.  The institutes are made possible through a combination of support from the Foundation, Arizona Supreme Court,  and the Center for Civic Education.

    Each teacher received a complimentary set of text books and more supplimental text books than they could carry for their classrooms.  The weeklong professional development and networking opportunities gave these teachers the gift they value most: increased resources for their students to learn.

    Back to top

    The Arizona We The People Summer Institute

    The Arizona We The People Summer Institute

    The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education hosts a We The People Summer Institute each June at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. This week-long training is for We The People teachers in upper elementary through high school grade levels, and of all levels of experience with the program.

    Back to top

    Congratulations to Dobson High School!

    Congratulations to Dobson High School!

    Dobson High School finished fourth in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution after they participated in the competition's final round on Capitol Hill in congressional hearing rooms. More than 1,200 students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia participated in the competition. Students on the Dobson team are Quinney Fu, Elizabeth Meyers, Henry Jiang, Jennifer Truong, Cady Pisani, Laurel Jones, Amanda Toohey, Cheseree Gaston, Caree Wheeler, John Lorenzen, Lauren Hanson, Arielle King, Sarah Raynes and Blake Blackman. The team's teacher is Shannon Sweat.

    2007 Arizona State Competition Results!!!

    Winners:   

    1st - Dobson High School - Mesa - Teacher: Shannon Sweat

    2 nd Hamilton High School - Chandler - Teacher: Mike Spears

    3 rd Corona del Sol- Tempe - Teacher: Tim Smith

    4 th Marcos de Niza - Tempe - Teacher: David Dotts

    Unit Award Winners:

    Unit I Mountain Ridge High School - Glendale

    Unit II Lake Havasu High School

    Unit III Rio Rico High School

    Unit IV Higley High School

    Unit V Prescott High School

    Unit VI Maricopa High School

    Back to top

    Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C.

    The first round of the national finals was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 29 and 30. The competition involves entire classes making presentations and answering questions on constitutional topics before a panel of judges recruited from across the country. Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders, acting as congressional committee members, judged the students' performances. Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales was one of this years National Judges. The combined scores of the classes during the first two days of hearings determine which ten teams will compete in the championship round May 1 in Senate hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. That evening the winning classes receive awards at a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham, Washington D.C.

    The annual three-day final competition is the culminating activity of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the most extensive civic education program of its kind in the country. The Dobson students have been working with their teacher, Shannon Sweat, since last fall studying We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The text provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

    Back to top

    We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution State Competition

    We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution State Competition

    2007 Arizona State Competition Results!!!

    Winners

    1st - Dobson High School - Mesa - Teacher: Shannon Sweat
    2 nd Hamilton High School - Chandler - Teacher: Mike Spears
    3 rd Corona del Sol- Tempe - Teacher: Tim Smith
    4 th Marcos de Niza - Tempe - Teacher: David Dotts

    Unit Award Winners:

    Unit I Mountain Ridge High School - Glendale
    Unit II Lake Havasu High School
    Unit III Rio Rico High School
    Unit IV Higley High School
    Unit V Prescott High School
    Unit VI Maricopa High School

    Back to top

    Judges Connecting in the Classroom

    A GREAT teacher resource available! Arizona teachers from around the state, along with staff and members of the Arizona Supreme Court, have created lesson plans, videos, activities and reading materials for teachers to use when they invite members of the Arizona judiciary into their classroom. The lessons link to all levels of the We The People textbook on the subject of the court system. There is a statewide information sheet included on who to contact to schedule a classroom visit. For further information, contact Jennifer at [email protected]

    Back to top

    Legislature Back to School Program

    For more information, please click here Legislature Back to School Program

    Back to top

    2006

    Raise the Bar Documentary

    FREE - Preview copy of "Raise the Bar", the documentary film based on the 2003-04 National High School Mock Trial Championship. E-mail [email protected] with your request for a copy along with your mailing address.

    Back to top

    State Competition Results

    view all past event results!

    Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C.

    On April 28, students from Mesa's Dobson High School traveled to Washington, D.C., where they represented Arizona in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the highly prestigious academic competition on the U.S. Constitution. The Dobson students studied for months to prepare for their role as experts testifying on constitutional issues in a simulated congressional hearing. To represent their state at the national finals, the class won their congressional district and the Arizona state competition earlier this year. Dobson placed in the top 25 in a field of 50 teams.

    State Sponsor
    Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education
    4201 N. 24 Street, Suite 210
    Phoenix, AZ 85016
    Phone: (602) 340-7361
    Fax: (602) 271-4930
    Susan Nusall, Law-related Education Program Manager
    National Sponsor
    Center for Civic Education
    5145 Douglas Fir Road
    Calabasas, CA 91302-1467
    1-800-350-4223
    Robert Leming, We the People National Director

    The Arizona We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution program is funded in part by the Arizona Supreme Court and the Center for Civic Education

    We the People...the Citizen and the Constitution is administered by the State Coordinator and Congressional District Coordinators.

    Back to top

    Legislature Back to School Program!

    For more information, please click here Legislautre Back to School Program

    Back to top

    We the People Logos

    Click to download logos

    Back to top

    Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C.

    The first round of the national finals was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 29 and 30. The competition involves entire classes making presentations and answering questions on constitutional topics before a panel of judges recruited from across the country. Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders, acting as congressional committee members, judged the students' performances. Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales was one of this year's National Judges. The combined scores of the classes during the first two days of hearings determine which ten teams will compete in the championship round May 1 in Senate hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. That evening the winning classes receive awards at a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham, Washington D.C.

    The annual three-day final competition is the culminating activity of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the most extensive civic education program of its kind in the country. The Dobson students have been working with their teacher, Shannon Sweat, since last fall studying We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The text provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

    A GREAT teacher resource available! Arizona teachers from around the state, along with staff and members of the Arizona Supreme Court, have created lesson plans, videos, activities and reading materials for teachers to use when they invite members of the Arizona judiciary into their classroom. The lessons link to all levels of the We The People textbook on the subject of the court system. There is a statewide information sheet included on who to contact to schedule a classroom visit. For further information, contact Jennifer at [email protected]

    Back to top

    FREE Professional Development Opportunity!

    You are invited to be one of only 24 teachers to attend the We The People: The Citizen & The Constitution 2006 Arizona Summer Institute
    Date: June 7-14th
    Cost: FREE!!
    Location: Northern Arizona University
    Teachers will be provided at no cost:
    Room and board
    Travel Stipend
    Classroom set of We The People textbooks
    Set of supplemental resource books

    The Arizona Summer Institute is open to 4th-12th grade teachers of government, civics, or history. Teachers will participate in lectures given by Constitutional Scholars from around Arizona, learn about effective methods for using the We The People curriculum, which has been correlated to the Arizona Social Studies Standards, and participate in a simulated congressional hearing. Large group and small group work will provide teachers with an excellent networking opportunity. All of this and a week in the cool pines of Flagstaff at NO COST to teachers!

    Click here to download an application:
    s Word Doc - 2006 WTP Arizona Summer Institute
    s PDF- 2006 WTP Arizona Summer Institute

    Back to top

    We The People: "The Citizen and The Constitution 2006 Summer Institute"

    We The People:

    Vice-Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch assisted with teaching at the “The Citizen and The Constitution 2006 Summer Institute in Flagstaff this June. Fifteen educators from Arizona and surrounding states participated in the rigorous professional development program. The educators became students during the five day program and learned constitutional scholars from a variety of disciplines.

    &quot;We can&rsquo;t express how much we appreciate the Vice-Chief Justice&rsquo;s time to share her expertise,&quot; says Susan Nusall, Program Manager, &quot;she, along with the other scholars are preparing these educators to go back and teach their students. Those students, then, will know our constitution and be better prepared for the Office of Citizenship. It is a tremendous gift to our state and nation.&quot;

    Back to top

    Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C

    The first round of the national finals was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 29 and 30. The competition involves entire classes making presentations and answering questions on constitutional topics before a panel of judges recruited from across the country. Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders, acting as congressional committee members, judged the students' performances. Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales was one of this years National Judges. The combined scores of the classes during the first two days of hearings determine which ten teams will compete in the championship round May 1 in Senate hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. That evening the winning classes receive awards at a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham, Washington D.C.

    The annual three-day final competition is the culminating activity of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the most extensive civic education program of its kind in the country. The Dobson students have been working with their teacher, Shannon Sweat, since last fall studying We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The text provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

    Back to top